Sussex Inlet foster parents Whayne and Jo Ring lose house in freak fire

A beloved South Coast couple who fostered and raised an astonishing 36 children and dedicated their lives to helping others, have tragically lost everything in a devastating house fire, prompting a groundswell of community support.

Whayne and Jo Ring have fostered 36 children. Picture: Supplied

A beloved Shoalhaven couple who fostered and raised an astonishing 36 children and dedicated their lives to helping others, have tragically lost everything in a devastating house fire, prompting a groundswell of community support.

Whayne and Jo Ring watched their Sussex Inlet house burn to the ground in the early hours of Saturday, June 28, after a fire flared up overnight.

The blaze gutted the home, where they raised their own family and welcomed dozens of foster kids over the years.

Now, the local community is rallying to support the pair locals call “heroes”.

Daughter-in-law Skye Ash launched a GoFundMe to help rebuild their lives, saying it was the least they could do for two people who have given so much.

The foster home burnt down in a freak blaze. Picture: Supplied

She said the Rings currently volunteered at Sussex Inlet op-shop, served with Kairos Prison Ministry, and were active in their church.

Nearly $2000 has already been raised, with a goal of garnering $16k for the couple.

Whayne and Jo Ring's Sussex Inlet home burnt down on June 28. Picture: Supplied

“All money raised will be used to refurbish their home,” Ms Ash said.

“They need everything.”

Funds will go towards furnishing every room – from lounge and bedrooms to kitchen, laundry and dining – along with linen, towels and other essentials.

“Their house was covered, but the contents were not,” she said.

The couple’s daughter, Sarah Knott, urged people to support her parents, describing her heartbreak over the loss of the family home.

“Every corner, every crevice held a memory,” she said.

“The doorframes were still etched with our growth, marked with the passing years.”

She said the house was special as it became a haven for children in need.

“The floor was always sandy from footprints straight off the beach. The walls were hung with shark jaws, surfboards and my dad’s amazing drawings,” she said.

Granddaughter Mikaela Burgess also posted online, praising her “hero” grandparents.

“Those who know my Yaya and Baba know how incredible these two human beings are,” she said.

“They raised so many children, both biological and foster, provided love, shelter, memories and an amazing time.”

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Originally published as Sussex Inlet foster parents Whayne and Jo Ring lose house in freak fire