Helper overwhelmed by donations
“I know what it is like to have everything destroyed.”
In the wake of a fire which tore through eight flats, the community united and collected donations for the affected families.
Fourteen residents were displaced after a fire at Hilton Court, Main Road Edenvale.
Two of the 14 were injured when they jumped from the second floor in an attempt to escape the blaze.
They were taken to hospital after they broke their arms.
Stefanie Schutze, from the German Club in Eastleigh, who has been coordinating donations for the families, met with the NEWS to discuss why she decided to help.
“Seeing people lose everything to a fire is a personal thing for me. Fifteen years ago my mom were the victims of a fire ourselves,” said Stefanie.
Also read: New footage emerges of devastating Edenvale fire – Video
“I know what it is like to have everything destroyed.”
When Stefanie heard about the fire on September 5, she visited those affected and asked them what they needed.
“Once I had a list, I appealed to the community and asked security companies to assist.”
Stefanie said when the donations started to arrive she was overwhelmed at how the community had come together.
“With all the donations we received from the German Club, I was able to assist all of the families.”
She was able to give each family furniture, curtains, toiletries, food and clothes.
“A lot of the things which were donated to the families are the little things that people take for granted,” said Stefanie.
Also read: Fire leaves resident frustrated
“It has been a wonderful feeling to help those in need and I would like to continue helping others as much as I can.”
Stefanie said once she has made sure that everyone has been assisted she will donate what is left to the Child Welfare SA – Edenvale.
“Doing all this work for those in need has made me decide to start collecting donations for charities in need for the future.”
