A devastating fire ripped through more than 70ha of land, South of the Coromandel Peninsula this late last week. Kilometers down the road, the local team at Ray White Whitianga have been at the forefront of support since the fire broke out.
Ray White Whitianga Salesperson, Tara Corley, posted up on her social media page offering the drop-off point for anyone who wanted to donate essential items for those affected by the fire. Since the post, Corley and the Ray White team have been contacted by the Social Services and Fire Brigade to coordinate the receiving of the items. They have since collaborated with co-workers, Heather Benson, Catherine Williams and Iris Wielsputz-Schattevoy, opening up the Ray White Auction rooms all day to drop-off donated items while Corley kept the locals updated on what was required.
Ray White Whitianga staff have been contacted by a large number of people by phone, text and social media to offer their time and support with what Ray White are offering.
The Ray White team have been overwhelmed by the response from local people bringing in toiletries, blankets, towels, clothing, petrol, food goods, furniture and also offering a place to stay for those in need. Ray White Whitianga are now trying to source a storage space to keep household furniture and other large items.
While the team have been collecting items, Heather Benson has been cooking up an array of feasts in the kitchen for the fire crews.
The Ray White team have been an integral communication point for local community and an invaluable support network for this bushfire.
Ray White Whitianga will continue to work with local services and offer the Ray White Auction rooms as a community facility and drop-off point during this time.
The Ray White Auction rooms are located at 22 Monk Street, Whitianga.
To find out how you can help, click here.
Watch the 6 O’clock Newshub video from Thursday, 19 January 2016 here.