‘Gift from heaven’: Anonymous donor funds roof for fire-damaged lodge
The community came together in support of the Wilkes family at a golf day last week.
Support continues to grow for Kijabe Lodge owners as the community responds to a destructive fire that gutted the accommodation.
Friends and supporters from across KwaZulu-Natal gathered at Umhlali Country Club on Thursday to help John and Jacqui Wilkes rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their beloved Kijabe Lodge two months ago.
Organised and hosted by Rasmussen Industrial Properties, the Wilkes/Kijabe Lodge Fire Fundraiser Golf Day saw golfers enjoy a glorious afternoon on the course for a good cause, concluding with a dinner, raffle draws and an auction.
On the morning of October 3, the retired couple watched in horror as flames tore through Kijabe Lodge, located on Addington Farm between Tinley Manor and Blythedale. The lodge, a major source of their income, was largely reduced to ashes just days before new tenants were due to arrive.
The couple, who have lived in the adjoining farmhouse for 19 years, faced an uphill battle. The property was not insured and rebuilding costs were estimated at about R1.6-million, money they simply did not have.
The community quickly rallied to their aid. A BackaBuddy campaign has raised almost R200 000, while locals sent food, flowers and heartfelt messages of support. In an extraordinary act of kindness, an anonymous donor also contracted a company to rebuild the lodge’s roof at a cost of about R1.1-million.
“We were quite blown away by this, people have shown us so much love,” said Jacqui.
“You don’t want to live anywhere else when you go through a drama like this.”
The generosity of the Good Samaritan felt almost divine.
“One day a contractor arrived unannounced to measure the house and take drone photographs,” said Jacqui.
“When we asked who he was working for, he said the company would not let him tell us. They wanted no advertising and no glory to man, it was a gift from heaven.”
Jacqui again emphasised the extraordinary community spirit.
“It has been magnificent. We are just blown away by people’s goodness, their love and their support for us.”
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