Workmates dig deep to help family after home burnt

Pilbara businesses have rallied together to help support a Karratha family who lost everything when their house burnt down last month.

Engineering group Monadelphous put on a raffle to raise money for Mel Jeffrey, Nick Martin and their two young children after their house caught fire in Millars Well.

The raffle was a surprise for the young family, with Blackwoods and Rio Tinto chipping in for the prizes.

Monadelphous track renewals and maintenance superintendent Travis Herrmann said his manager, Ryan Samsa, organised the raffle, which raised more than $3300 for the family.

“It’s a family and it’s a culture we have created. We want a family-type environment and Nick is family,” he said.

The raffle comes after the Karratha community offered generous support to the family including a GoFundMe page that raised more than $31,000.

Ms Jeffrey said the support was overwhelming.

“It is next-level community spirit. It’s made me want to stay and remember why I’ve loved this place for so long.” she said.

“Everything came together so quickly from all of the support from everyone. Now, it feels like we are home again, which is really, really good.”

Mr Martin said he was speechless.

“It’s just kept our sanity, really. I don’t think you would get this support anywhere else in the world,” he said.