Helper helped

By Bridget Cook
IT is usually Devon Meadows’ Joan Graham who opens her heart and home to those in the community that need it most.
But the tables have turned this past week after the passionate foster carer, who has taken in more than 200 children and teenagers over the years, lost her home to a fire on Friday.
Ms Graham, who has lived in Devon Meadows for more than 20 years, said the support she had received from local residents, organisations and businesses was ‘incredible’.
Ms Graham was outside battling the knee-deep flood waters in her paddocks on Friday morning when she returned inside to find the living area was alight and full of smoke about 7.30am.
“Something must have sparked off the fire,” she said.
“The place was filling with smoke, and I tried to grab the fire blanket and fire extinguisher, but I had no hope.”
Ms Graham quickly woke up her daughter Leanne, 47, and her two foster children and they all got out of the house.
“It was a big panic,” she said.
“I told them don’t touch or grab anything, don’t waste time, just get out of the house.”
The house was completely destroyed by the fire and all they got out with was the pyjamas on their back.
Ms Graham said they were now living at her other daughter’s home, while she was away on holiday, and planned to rent somewhere once they returned.
Ms Graham said since the news had got around town they had been flooded with support and donations.
“This house and garage is just full of donations,” she said.
“The emotions are running rampant at the moment. I just can’t thank everyone
enough.
“Thankyou is not enough for what some of them are doing.
“I feel so humbled by it all. I’m usually doing things for other people, so it’s not easy being on the receiving end but I’m so grateful and thankful.”
The Good Guys in Cranbourne have donated some electrical items and Casey Cycles have donated two brand new children’s bikes.
Local residents have donated a huge amount of clothes, toys and necessary items and furniture has been promised.
Devon Meadows Primary School, where Ms Graham has sent many of her foster children, held a free dress day on Tuesday and raised more than $600 for Ms Graham.
Principal Brett Bell said the school would hold a community barbecue tomorrow (Friday) open to everyone wanting to support Ms Graham and her foster children.
“The community is really working to support her,” he said.
“We expect to raise about $1000 with the community barbecue on Friday through the generous support of the Pearcedale Bakery, Pearcedale Butcher and Don’s Meats in Junction Village.”
The school is currently collecting money, clothes, toys and offers of furniture on behalf of Ms Graham.
A bank account has also been set up at the Westpac Bank, under Joan Graham, BSB: 033686, AC: 477364 for those wishing to donate.
To assist with catering, anyone wishing to attend the barbecue on Friday at Devon Meadows Primary School is asked to call the school office on 5998 2304.