Kind-hearted locals help rescue Christmas for a family affected by a fire in Merkinch, Inverness
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Kind-hearted locals have helped to rescue Christmas for a family caught up in a fire in Inverness last week.
Despite the cost-of-living, crisis the online fundraising page – which can be found by clicking here – hit its target of £1000 in just two days.
The ground floor flat fire last Thursday at Abbey Court, just off Dunabban Road in Merkinch, saw one person taken to hospital.
But it also badly affected the home above where Debbi Fraser’s best friend and her two young children aged just 13 and three years old live.
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Ms Fraser immediately set-up a Go Fund Me page on learning that “at least 90 per cent of their possessions are ruined due to smoke and water damage”.
She said: “Earlier on tonight the flat below them caught fire at Abbey Court in Inverness. Thankfully, they are all OK, which is the most important thing, but sadly at least 90 per cent of their possessions are ruined due to smoke and water damage.
“They escaped down the stairwell faced with smoke and flames with nothing but the clothes on their backs (they didn't even have time to put their shoes on).”
She continued: “Christmas presents which had already been bought are ruined. With only four weeks until Christmas eve, the chances of the financial side of things being sorted in time to buy replacements are slim.
“So I am asking the people of Inverness and further afield to help if they can. I know money is tight for everyone just now, but I'm determined to try and help rescue Christmas for them.
“If you can't afford to donate, I would appreciate it if you could even share this page for me.”
With 54 donations generous locals raised £1140 – well past the target of £1000 – leading Ms Fraser to say: “Wow! I am speechless, 48 hours after setting up the Go Fund Me page and we have reached our target!
“Thank you to everyone who has donated! This will go a long way towards helping them get back on their feet and being able to give her two kids an amazing Christmas after the devastating fire on Thursday evening.
“Please, please keep sharing though and donating if you can. They have literally lost everything and are going to have to start rebuilding their lives and their home from scratch.”
