Fundraiser launched for Laois family made homeless by fire

A fundraiser has been launched to help a family in Laois whose home was destroyed by fire.  

The house was destroyed in the fire and a couple and their two boys who are aged 13 and eight are now in emergency accommodation. 

The GoFundMe fundraiser was started by Niamh Finnerty in Portlaoise in order to assist her sister’s family in the wake of the devastating fire. 

“I'm fundraising to help my sister Erin and her family whose home was destroyed in a house fire last weekend. Erin, her husband John and their two young boys aged 13 and eight were so blessed to escape alive thank God, but the house is totally gutted and everything they owned is gone,” she wrote. 

“This Gofundme will go towards their immediate needs, clothes and basic essentials to assist the four of them currently in emergency accommodation (one hotel room) which is not easy with two traumatised kids. We would also hope to replace some of the boys’ toys/games to help them cope at this difficult time,” Niamh explained. 

The fundraiser which was set up yesterday has so far raised €1,175.  

“The family had only moved in less than one year ago after years on the housing list and they have no insurance. They’d spent the last year making a loving Forever Home for them and their boys and now they are faced with the uncertain future of homelessness and trying to pick up the pieces from scratch. They are devastated to lose their memory boxes including baby items, first playschool/school drawings, their wedding album and sentimental things which cannot be replaced, but the priority is their short-term situation, “ Niamh wrote. 

She said “I would appeal to your generosity as every donation no matter how small will make a huge difference to this young family. If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this appeal and we appreciate your support. Thank you.”

A link to the fundraising page can be found here.