Whitehall Sreet House Fire, Mairehau, Christchurch 15.5.26 - Family Lost Everything!

$68,519 donated
Given by 1486 generous donors in 6 days

Please donate to help this CHCH family.

Christchurch, Canterbury

On May 14, 2026, a devastating house fire took everything from Shiree. Far worse than the loss of her possessions is the heartbreaking passing of two precious lives — her child and her grandchild.

Shiree is the absolute rock of our family, always putting others first. Even in this profound fog of grief, she is now stepping up to care for two of her remaining grandchildren who have lost their mother. However, the path forward carries an immense logistical and financial burden. Because Shiree is on a pension, the sudden, massive costs of navigating this tragedy are a weight she simply cannot carry alone.

How Your Donation Will Help

The most meaningful way we can wrap around Shiree right now is by removing the immediate financial pressure and helping secure the children's future. Your generosity will go directly toward:

Covering Excess Funeral Costs: While ACC financial assistance will be applied for, they will not cover everything. Funds will first be used to bridge the gap for any outstanding expenses for the two funerals, ensuring a dignified farewell without leaving Shiree with an overwhelming financial burden.

Securing the Children's Future: All remaining donations will be placed into a dedicated trust which is being set up for all four of the remaining grandchildren. This will help take the worry off their long-term future, providing stability, education, and ongoing care as they grow.

Shiree is usually the one helping others; now, it’s our turn to stand by her. By easing these financial worries, you are allowing her to focus entirely on the emotional well-being and healing of herself and the children.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, prayers, and support.

If you are not in a position to donate, please consider sharing this link to help our community reach those who can.

Nancy Howe's involvement (page creator)

I am a family member of Shiree, writing this on behalf of our extended family to support her during this unimaginable time.

Use of funds

Funds will first cover outstanding funeral costs (supplementing pending ACC financial assistance). Remaining donations will be placed in a trust to secure the future, stability, and ongoing care of the four grandchildren.

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Latest update

Thank you ♥️  16 May 2026

On behalf of Shiree, thank you so much for your generosity. A lot of people have been asking about physical donations but as they don't have their own home yet, this is difficult to coordinate. I ask if you are wanting to donate to the Methodist Mission, they will be arranging some items that this family immediately needs.

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Latest donations

Lauryn
Lauryn 34 mins ago
I am so sorry for your loss
$25
Aaron
Aaron 4 hours ago
So sad
$50
Donna
Donna 6 hours ago
Sending you love and strength at this difficult time
$50
Angela
Angela 7 hours ago
I'm so sorry for your heartbreaking loss
$100
Sophie
Sophie 8 hours ago
$20

Who's involved?

Nancy Howe's avatar
Created by Nancy Howe
Shiree Couch's avatar
Paying to a verified bank account of Shiree Couch
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This campaign started on 15 May 2026 and ends on 15 May 2027.