Fire Destroys Home & Seriously Injures Wanaka Family during Lockdown

$39,514 of $100,001 goal

Given by 667 generous donors in 9 days

House fire destroys all belongings and leaves Connie in ICU with 3rd Degree Burns - Raising funds to help Javier & Luna during Lockdown.

Otago

ORIGINAL VIDEO: https://youtu.be/rxI0sYGF52M

A fire has destroyed the Yurt and all belongings of Chilean family, Connie (Constanza Causay), Javier and their daughter Luna (7 years old). Although Connie and her daughter Luna survived the fire - Connie has suffered serious third degree burns on her forearm and upper leg. Connie was air lifted by helicopter and is now in the intensive care unit (in a critical but stable condition) in Dunedin hospital. She is recovering from emergency skin grafting surgery and may require more intensive work over the coming few days.

Javier (Luna's Dad) has suffered burns on his hands, arms and buttocks after waking up to a bright light outside his window and breaking into the blazing tent - carrying Connie and Luna to safety just 10 seconds before the tent collapsed into an inferno, enveloping nearby trees. Luckily OM co-founder Nicholas Corliss was able to contain the forest fire which enabled the trio to be airlifted to hospital.

Luna, the pair's 7 year old daughter, has suffered minor burns to her ankle and no doubt will miss the presence of her mother over the next three weeks.

Connie will be in hospital for a minimum of 3 weeks. Javier and Luna cannot visit Connie in Dunedin hospital due to the risk of COVID-19. With all belongings lost in the fire, they need our support.

Javier and Luna have received donations of spare clothing and food, and their current Air B&B host has agreed to let them stay and make payments once they are financially able - they will be able to take care of Connie in this accommodation when she is released from hospital.

- THE ASK -

We are asking you to make a donation or give a koha to help Javier pay for accommodation so that he can take care of Luna during Lockdown and care for Connie when she is released from hospital. This money will also support Javier to buy food, clothing and pay for utilities during this time.

The greatest gift we can give to Connie in honour of all she has gifted us - is the gift of love and support for Javier and Luna during this time.

UPDATE: 23 Hours and $27,000 raised - Connie, Javier & Luna say Thank You ALL - Video: https://youtu.be/MwNJTZv1sN8

Organic Mechanic's involvement (page creator)

Connie, Javier and Luna are loved and valued members of the OM Community.

Use of funds

All funds raised will help them to buy food, clothing and accommodation for Javier and Luna during the Lockdown period and a place for Connie to receive care once she is released from ICU.

Latest update

Connie, Javier and Luna say Thank You ALL. 29 March 2020

Your generosity has blessed this family especially at a time when so many of you are in Lockdown with your loved ones. This generosity was achieved by the every single donation from $1 upwards - it all counts. Thank you ALL.

In only 23 hours the total raised is at $27,000 and and we have surpassed the original $25,000 goal.

However we are aware that loved ones dear to Connie, Javier and Luna have not yet heard about the family's situation and we wish to leave space for those who have not yet heard - to be able to contribute.

Because of this, we have raised the goal again to $100,000.00

We are are not expecting or asking to hit $100,000. We are raising the amount so that if and when people want to give - they can.

Whatever the total ends up being it will be deposited into the bank account of Javier who will use the funds wisely. We will update the video so that you can all hear directly from their family.

You are generous, you are kind, Thank you ALL.

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