A FAMILY who escaped a burning house at the weekend are already back on their feet, thanks to a steady stream of donations from the Swan Hill community.
Young mother Amanda Pike and children Michael and Paige (pictured) were fast asleep in the early hours of Sunday morning when a fire began raging through their Cato Court home.
Were it not for 5-year-old Michael, the fire that destroyed 75 per cent of the house could have led to more dire consequences.
“I woke up to my son screaming my name down the hallway,” recalled Ms Pike.
“He got his sister up, I sent them outside, then grabbed my phone and went outside to call the firies.”
A Swan Hill CFA unit arrived at around 2am to a blazing home, and CFA investigators have since deemed the fire non suspicious.
The Christmas tree, which Ms Pike and Paige had put up only hours earlier, was destroyed in the blaze but in a stroke of luck, the children’s Christmas presents were still on layby and had not yet been picked up by Ms Pike.
Despite losing most of their possessions, generous Swan Hill residents have already donated a trove of goods to the young family, including clothes, kitchen items, bed, bedding, blankets and toys.
“One lady went out and bought things brand new,” Ms Pike said.
“It’s made it so much easier to lose everything. Being a single parent is hard — the fact that everyone’s chipped in has been amazing.
“We are so thankful for everyone’s help and support.”
Contact Ms Pike over Facebook if you wish to donate any household or furniture items.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Wednesday’s Guardian (December 9).
