The local Sleep family have lost their home to a devastating house fire.
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Supplied
After losing everything to a devastating house fire, the Sleep family has been inundated with generosity, with more than $2000 raised in just a week to help with recovery.
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Family friend Cooper Seccombe has been the force behind the fundraising, saying his efforts began quickly after the incident.
“As soon as I heard about the fire, I got to work,” he said.
“I called Cooper (Sleep) and asked if he’d like me to organise a GoFundMe to help the family.
“I just wanted to do whatever I could to support them and I’ve always tried to be someone who helps where I can.”
He described the family as caring and supportive people and said he quickly formed relationships with Sleep brothers Cooper and Brodie.
“They’re a very genuine and close family,” he said.
“I haven’t known the boys for a long time, but we grew close quickly through work.
“They’re down to earth, supportive and the kind of people who are always there for their friends and those around them.”
Janine Sleep, along with her three sons Cooper, Brodie and Noah, are now homeless.
They left their family home just outside Seymour with only the clothes on their backs to evacuate the blaze.
The cause of the house fire, which occurred two weeks ago, is yet to be revealed, but it resulted in the Sleep family home being declared a total loss.
Now is the time for recovery, and fundraising is set to go directly towards basic and essential items.
The Sleep family home was declared a total loss.
Photo by
Billie Davern
“At the moment, our goal (for the fundraiser) is $80,000,” Mr Seccombe said.
“This would help cover the family’s basic needs, including clothing, food and toiletries, as well as temporary accommodation, travel and other essential expenses while they work to rebuild their lives.
“We’re incredibly appreciative of the support we’ve received, but there’s still a long way to go given the extent of what the family has lost.”
The fundraiser was created on Saturday, March 21, and as of Monday, March 30, it had generated $2159.
Mr Seccombe said the family was extremely grateful.
“I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported Janine Sleep and her children so far,” he said.
“Your generosity, whether through donations or by sharing the fundraiser, truly means the world to them and to all of us helping out.
“Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference in helping them cover essentials and start rebuilding their lives after such a devastating loss.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing care, compassion and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
As the funds continue to roll in, the Sleeps begin to rebuild their lives — a feat which won’t be accomplished overnight.
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