By Casey Neill
Generous benefactors are helping a devastated Menzies Creek family to get back on their feet after fire destroyed their home.
Friend Tyla Smith started a GoFundMe page for the McGowan-Moore clan following the Friday 15 February blaze.
The 19-year-old has already brought in more than $10,000 in donations for Mandy and Danny and kids Isaac, 21, Tilly, 20, Jesse, 14, and Alex, 11.
“When I became aware of the tragic news on Friday morning, I didn’t believe it,” Ms Smith said.
“I knew they had lost absolutely everything except for the clothes on their back.
“I decided to start up the GoFundMe as I knew they would be needing all the support they could get.
“No amount of money could ever replace the sentimental value of the items and family photos in that house, but I thought it was a good place to start.
“The numbers only keep growing and it warms my heart how generous friends, family and even strangers have been.”
She initially didn’t tell the family about her efforts, knowing how humble and modest they were.
“The family is now aware of the GoFundMe and couldn’t be more thankful and appreciative of everyone’s support,” she said.
Ms Smith said Mandy, Danny, Jesse and Alex were asleep inside the Menzies Road home when the fire started.
“Their neighbour came running over, alerting them to the fire on their back deck,” she said.
“Mandy said as soon as she woke up the first thing she did was scream out to Jesse and Alex.
“Mandy opened the door and as she did the glass shattered and then the TV went up in flames.
“I think Danny and the neighbour went upstairs to get the kids, and Mandy said that while Jesse was still asleep in bed, part of his bed was on fire.
“They have both said that they don’t remember a lot from the escape, I think the adrenaline of it all would have been too much.
“I am so thankful for the neighbour that alerted them to the fire while they were asleep.
“In a matter of seconds this could have turned even more tragic, and I wouldn’t have been able to hug my friends again.”
Ms Smith first encountered the family when she met Tilly at Kallista Kindergarten, aged 3.
“I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my second parents Mandy and Danny, and the kids,” she said.
“Friends are the family you choose for yourself, and I am so blessed to be able to call them mine.
“I can honestly say I have never met a more beautiful, friendly family.
“I’ve seen them in the past few days and even in their time of need they will put a smile on your face.”
“They have done so much for me and my family over the years, and it breaks my heart that something this devastating could happen to people as wonderful as they are.”
Family dog Milly escaped the fire but their four cats were still unaccounted for.
“At the moment they have been provided temporary housing by the council,” Ms Smith said.
“They have been offered another place to stay after this one until they can get back on their feet.”
Visit www.gofundme.com and search for Tyla Smith to donate.
