Long-term residents of Mullumbimby, Jeff and Alma Jackson lost their home to fire last week.
Jeff and Alma were away, and their two grandchildren and nephew who were staying at the house, escaped thanks to smoke alarms. It is believed the fire started as a result of an electrical fault in the kitchen.
‘They have lost everything,’ their son Matt Jackson told The Echo.
‘Now, it’s like every day we’re just thinking of moments and memories which we’ve had in the house. For mum and dad, they are in shock because they’ve just suddenly lost everything.’
Unfortunately the Jacksons didn’t have contents insurance and good friend and neighbour Frea Bandini-Alefosio, who was there all night providing support during the fire, has set up a GoFundMePage to raise money to help them get set when they are able to move back in.
‘My mum didn’t want to do it,’ said Matt. ‘She’s just one of those people who always looks after other people and doesn’t ask for help. I said to her ‘it is okay for people to give back to you’.
Community support
Matt said his parents, and the whole family, have had such incredible support from the community.
‘Mum went to the post office to change her address to mine, and instead they gave her a post office box until she works it all out. Then she was on her way to the optometrist and walked past Bridglands and Rob comes out and asks her how she is and gives her a hug. Mum started crying and Rob donated mum a new TV and air fryer. Then on her way home, going past Mullum InStyle Living they spotted mum and told her, “when you get back in the house just come in and we’ll look after you”. That was just one trip to the optometrist and everyone was reaching out to her. I said, “see mum, it’s your turn to receive now”. It’s a beautiful reminder of what it means to be part of the local Mullumbimby community.’
You can support Jeff and Alma on their GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-a-mullumbimby-family-after-tragic-house-fire.
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