Fire victims’ friend in need

This was the case for Caroline Barrett who spent last Friday visiting countless local businesses appealing for donations for a |raffle that will raise funds for a friend in need. And she’s already secured food vouchers, jewellery, furniture and electronics.

The local childcare worker was touched by the plight of colleague Kate Flunder (19) who, with her partner, has been left without a home or contents after they were destroyed in an accidental house fire last month.

Ms Flunder’s partner spent a week in the burns unit at Royal Perth Hospital where he was treated with the spray-on skin technique used by Fiona Wood after the Bali terrorist bombings in 2002 and will have to wear pressure bandages for about two years.

He has had to put his three-year heavy diesel fitter’s apprenticeship on hold and the couple, who did not have their furniture or belongings insured, are living temporarily with friends.

‘I just felt for Kate and her partner so much I had to do something. The response and support from local businesses has been overwhelming,’ Mrs Barrett said.

Ms Flunder said she felt |humbled at the outpouring of support from her friends and the community.