Help offers pour in for family

Natasha Williams feels like a huge burden has been lifted from her shoulders - much of it carried by Good Samaritans from as far away as Auckland.

After last week's deluge in Dunedin, Miss Williams (26), partner Joseph Cumming (27) and their seven children had to abandon their flooded Bay View Rd rental property and move in with Mr Cumming's mother, at her one-bedroom flat in Macandrew Bay.

Miss Williams has been trying to find another flat to rent in Dunedin that meets all the family's requirements.

The community has come to the family's rescue, with offers of rental properties, clothing, food and money to help pay the rent, not just from Dunedin residents, but also readers in Christchurch and Auckland.

One particularly good Samaritan has offered to top up the family's rent payments by $100 per week for a year.

Miss Williams said the family of nine had been sleeping together in the lounge on mattresses and everyone had to queue for the toilet and the bath.

One of the couple's 1-year-old triplets, Teina, was born with a brain bleed and is to undergo her 28th surgery next week.

Miss Williams said she was overwhelmed by the support.

''I'm very thankful to everybody that has written to us to offer their support. It's overwhelming for me.

''It just goes to show how many good people there are in Dunedin and the outer community. It's been amazing.''

john.lewis@odt.co.nz

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