WSFM 101.7 appeal for house fire victims

Sydney has shown its support for the victims of a tragic house fire, donating tens of thousands of dollars in cash and goods through an appeal launched by Sydney’s WSFM 101.7 on air this morning.

Jonesy’s Breakfast Bar called on listeners to help the Makaua family of Seven Hills, who have been left stranded after fire destroyed their home on Wednesday night.

Breakfast host, Jonesy (Brendan Jones), kicked off the appeal with a donation of $1000. This was soon followed by a $10,000 cash donation from McDonalds Australia.

The stations phones have since been flooded with calls from people and businesses from all over Sydney donating everything from televisions and toys to food, clothing and cash, with approximately $20,000 in cash and goods so far donated.

Jonesy says the station wanted to use its reach with listeners to generate support for the Makaua family.

“It’s tragedies like these that make you think to yourself – it could always happen to me, you just never know. We started the appeal with $1000 and the response has been so overwhelming.”

Peter Bush of McDonalds Australia, says: “You can’t have a family out of their home this close to Christmas. It is such a tragic loss for them. It’s the least McDonalds could do in these circumstances.

“Lets hope this will get some momentum going and other corporate citizens out there also kick the tin.”

The Makaua family, including eight young children aged between one and 15, all escaped the fire unharmed. The youngest children, twins, turn one today. The family is currently staying in temporary accommodation.

Some donations have included: McDonalds Australia donated $10,000 cash, 1st Choice Appliances donated $4,000 worth of appliances, Woolrest will provide linen, The Blacktown Lyons club has donated Coles shopping vouchers, NRMA Blacktown is acting as a drop off point for donations.