More than £7,000 has been raised to help a north-east family recover from a devastating fire that severely damaged their home.
It tore through the property in Banff’s Seafield Crescent on Tuesday, leaving the owners and their three daughters devastated.
A joint police and fire investigation remains underway to establish the cause of the fire, though it is not believed to be suspicious.
In the meantime, a fundraising page was launched to help the owners rebuild and it has already exceeded its target.
Banff residents and local businesses have posted numerous messages of support on the page for their “lovely neighbours”.
And in addition to donating to the cause, there have been offers of help with cleaning and other assistance as the community has rallied around the family.
In her appeal for potential donors, Karolina Struzik wrote: “This page has been set up to help my family affected by a tragic fire which caused severe damage to both the exterior and the inside of their house on Tuesday, June 9.
“The family has lived in Scotland for 16 years and they have three daughters – aged 9, 15 and one who is only six-months-old.
“The husband is the sole breadwinner in the family and has currently been furloughed with very little income.”
Although nobody was injured, extensive damage was caused to the interior and exterior of the property.
Mrs Struzik added: “They have found themselves in a tragic situation which no one ever thinks they would have to deal with – especially at this time, given the current crisis.
“They have lost their home in the midst of a global pandemic.
“We would appreciate any donation – no matter how small. Every pound can help this family rebuild their life.
“Unfortunately, they have no savings and are unable to afford to rebuild the family home. They have invested all of their lives’ earnings into this house.”
Father Piotr Rytel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish said he’d been “shocked” to hear of the fire.
“We will support the family with anything they may need,” he pledged.
Donations can be made online by searching for ‘Weʼre raising £7,000 to rebuild home after fire’ at www.justgiving.com .
A police spokeswoman said yesterday: “Inquiries into the cause of the fire remain at an early stage and a joint fire investigation has been carried out by police, along with partners from fire and rescue.
“At this stage there appear to be no suspicious circumstances.”
