Sausage sizzle and Facebook help Ballina explosion survivors
THROW a few snags on the barbie and lend a hand to someone in need.
That was the idea hatched by the Ballina Lions Club and Bunnings, who yesterday threw a barbie for the survivors of last Friday's Owen St fire.
Lion Peter Dean said the sizzle saw great support, raising about $1000.
"It's really generous the way the public has responded to this tragedy."
"They're not just buying sangers and drinks, they're saying keep the change."
"One man had a jar full of coins... we opened our money tin and he just poured in the whole contents of the money jar... then later on came and bought a sausage sandwich."
"You feel that people are really supportive, they feel the suffering that these people are going through."
Two upstairs units of 38 Owen St were destroyed in the explosion, and those residents were understood to be not insured for their losses and left temporarily homeless.
"This should provide quite a bit of relief to them... those first few days must have been really dreadful," Mr Dean said.
"We know there's people in distress and we're here to help. We'll get their money to them as quickly as possible.
"This is what community groups are for."
You can help:
A FACEBOOK page has been set up to help all Owen St residents affected by Friday night's fire.
Anyone interested in donating or offering support can contact the organisers of the Facebook page through a private message or public post.
Residents are in need of accommodation, money and any good quality clothes, furniture, appliances, utensils etc.
