"That was really sad… I was glad nobody got hurt."
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Lithgow’s Tracy Staines spoke of the devastation after a fire ripped through Escopa, one of the slum areas in Manila in the Philippines.
Tracy and her husband Mick have a deep connection with the Philippines after adopting their son René from the Southeast Asian nation 10 years ago.
About four years ago the couple raised enough money to build four brick houses in Escopa.
The houses became home for 15 families, about 60 people.
Unfortunately on April 26 a fire in Escopa gutted two of the houses the Staines helped build and destroyed five others leaving over 100 people homeless.
The residents escaped with only the clothes on their back.
The families are currently sheltering in a covered basketball court.
"It's just hard, you just want to run straight over there... but it was better to stay here and try and raise some money," Tracy said.
Another couple, Carol and John Stevens who have travelled to help in Escopa in the past have also been working hard.
Carol attended around 200 businesses in Lithgow asking for their support.
Mick and Tracy hope to raise at least $10,000 to buy building materials to rebuild five simple timber homes.
A fundraiser high tea will be held at St Paul’s Church Hall on Saturday June 3rd at 12pm to 3pm.
For more details on how you can help, contact Tracy Staines 0417 641 404 or Carol Stevens 0424 552 849.