Hopes and dreams burnt out in an instant.

Something has happened to a young man I know that has so distressed me that I want to see what can be done to help him and need your support.

Obai is a refugee. He fled with his parents from Myanmar when he was 2 yrs old. They spent 9 yrs in a refugee camp in Thailand, before arriving in New Zealand, hoping to start living a better life.

Since then, he has completed NCEA level 3 a year early! He works 2 short shifts per week and is trying to make a go of things here. He volunteers at the Hamilton Settlement Centre supporting other refugees who are starting their own lives in NZ. Obai supports his family too as they have limited English and rely on him for interpreting.

Early on Saturday morning 10th Sept Obai's car was set on fire and is completely burnt out. Most of his possessions were inside, as he was in the process of moving to his parents’ new house. These included his clothes, personal possessions including his prayer mat, photos and letters, and official documents including his citizenship certificate and medical forms.

Obai was proud of his car as it meant he could be independent. He updated the inside and had just filled the tank with petrol. The fire's destroyed his material possessions but also his independence to live the life he hoped for in NZ. Without it, he will struggle to get to work, do his volunteering and support his family.

He was insured but a muck up with the policy means there may be a problem with his claim and it won't cover his possessions.