Mawson Lakes is filled
with caring families. |
Local resident of 8 years, Darina Mirt is a mum of two boys who has spent some time wondering how she can harness the community spirit in Mawson Lakes to assist the Hanna family in NSW. After watching the progressing story of the sad loss of both their parents on Channel 9's 'A Current Affair' she has decided to appeal to local residents and businesses for donations in toys and goods to be packaged off to them in time for the school holidays in New South Wales (commencing 10 July) or cash to the official fund which has been established for them.
Darina says: "I have been trying to figure out how to help out the five Hanna children living in NSW who tragically lost both their parents. Their father Jamal, 54, died of bone and prostrate cancer and their mother, Shatha, 44, died of breast cancer just six days after." The story first appeared on the television program when Jamal and Shatha were still alive and featured the children Christina - 5 years old, Alex - 9, Andy - 13, Allin - 15 and Nancy, who turned 18 on Mother's Day and has said that she will take care of her brothers and sister. She is currently completing her final year at school.
Unfortunately, the family home had to be sold to cover medical bills and Darina felt that "it was so hard for me to see the children trying to be brave but yet so sad. I have a 9 year old son attending Mawson Lakes School and an older son turning 18 so it hurts even more to take it all in and not do anything to help." Money donated from the general public is going towards the purchase of a home for the children so that they can stay together as their parents wished.
"I made a decision to donate money by deposit to: Bank: CBA, Account Name: Hanna Family Appeal, BSB: 062 000, Account number: 13470681" Darina says, but she felt that more than cash donations could make a meaningful difference in the lives of these children as she explains...
"I'm in the process of getting a parcel together for the children. I'd love to brighten up their days... Thinking about my own children (or yours) who are able to enjoy spending time with their parents after school, on weekends, during the school holidays... makes it even more sad knowing these children never will (again)."
Darina has collected a few toys and is busily approaching businesses for gift cards, age appropriate items or toys to send to the Hanna children before the school holidays commence in just over two weeks time. Any donations of new or 'good as' toys or items of use to the children can be collected by Darina or handed in at Mawson Lakes School main office before end of term in SA (Friday, 3 July.) Darina can be contacted on: 0403 895 380.
If you would like to include a note to the children with your donation please do so as Darina will include these.
Some ideas on what to donate: toys suited to a five year old girl, toys for boys aged 9, 13, 15. Goods appropriate for an 18 year old girl. Apparently one of the boys has a DS console which could suit the donation of DS games. Items of stationery for school or fun, cosmetic items or grooming goods for a young lady, new books, boardgames, etc
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