Gloriavale Leaver Zion Pilgrim's firewood accident set back with his 12 children!

While being extremely safety-conscious, a catastrophe stuck this week while cutting firewood for us! In a freak and unpredictable event, a branch took out Zion's legs, broke the tibia, and dislocated his ankle, damaging many ligaments and tendons. Doctors have ordered him to bed and he won't be weight-bearing for at least for 3 months!

Zion led his family of 12 children and a pregnant wife out of Gloriavale only 4 months ago. They have been working really hard as a family to establish themselves. They have been doing hunting jobs, butchery, firewood etc. in an attempt to get ahead and meet their bills. The local community have been amazing helping them with accommodation, clothing, furniture, friendship and support while making the huge adjustment to life outside Gloriavale.

But the timing of the accident could not be more inconvenient! They were just starting to get on their feet and were preparing to move house in early February - no mean feat with a family that large!

It's likely the family won't get a lot of ACC funding, because Zion lived in Gloriavale for much of the previous financial year and was born there 42 years ago. (Gloriavale has a complicated way of distributing finances, and no-one gets an individual wage). This is definitely going to create a financial setback for the family, and a stress on finances for the next few months.

They are a hard-working, likeable and generous family. We really like them and can see that this is going to be an extra burden and would like to ask for your help.