Cyclone Gabrielle took our home
Family of eight had to swim to survive when Cyclone Gabrielle hit.
Hawke's Bay
Help us to find a place to call home for this beautiful family - Uelese and Hinemoa Perese and their six children woke to floodwaters thrashing their Waiohiki home and had to swim for their lives. Sadly they were not insured
"I don't know how to forget about what I've seen on that day," Hinemoa said.
Siblings saved siblings as the water kept rising, nine-year-old Thomas remembering being up to his neck in water.
Father Uelese thought he was going to lose two of his children, but sheer willpower helped him rescue them from the violent currents.
With their home left uninhabitable, they arrived at Waipatu Marae with no possessions and nowhere to go.
The Pereses are grateful to still have each other and have yet to lose their sense of humour, but all they're missing is a place to call home.
Margot Koko's involvement (page creator)
I work with Uelese Perese
Use of funds
ALL money will be all spent on making a home for the Uelese, Hinemoa and their eight children, any support will be greatly appreciated.
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