Help Support the Rooney Whanau Rebuild After House Fire

$4,780 donated
Given by 62 generous donors since yesterday

A local family has lost their home & everything they own in a house fire. We are coming together to support them as they rebuild their lives

Methven, Canterbury

On May 29, 2026, our lives changed in an instant when a fire destroyed our home. In a heartbreaking turn of events, this date marks exactly five years to the day since a devastating flood ripped through our farm on May 29, 2021.

We had only just reached a point where it felt like life was finally back to normal. To be faced with such a significant loss all over again is overwhelming, and we are currently navigating the shock of having lost our home, our belongings, and our sanctuary.

We are incredibly grateful that we are safe, but we are facing the daunting task of rebuilding our lives from scratch for the second time. Many of you have asked how you can help; through the generosity and loudness of our community, this page  has been set up to assist with the immediate costs of essential items and the daunting recovery process ahead. Some financial support may be provided from insurance.

Your support, whether through a donation or by sharing this page, provides us with more comfort than we can put into words. Thank you for standing by us and for your kindness as we take this one day at a time. We are truly grateful❤️

Leah Smith's involvement (page creator)

I’m a local parent and our kids are close friends.

Use of funds

Funds will go towards helping the family cover immediate essentials like clothing, accommodation, food, and replacing basic household items as they begin to rebuild.

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Latest donations

Dominic
Dominic 1 hour ago
$40
Irene OJ and M
Irene OJ and M 6 hours ago
Take care
Private
Lois
Lois 8 hours ago
From one of your cousins! I hope some others jump on board!
$50
Pace Family
Pace Family 10 hours ago
Private
Mini
Mini 10 hours ago
Love to you all
$50

Who's involved?

Leah Smith's avatar
Created by Leah Smith
Sheree Rooney's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Sheree Rooney
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This campaign started on 2 Jun 2026 and ends on 31 Jul 2026.