Tumby Bay community organises GoFundMe to help ‘amazing couple’ who lost Mitre 10 business in tragic fire

A small SA town has rallied behind a couple who lost their entire livelihood in a massive blaze at the weekend.

A couple who lost their Eyre Peninsula business in a devastating fire had “hearts of gold” and were known for helping their small beach town.

Now, in a heartwarming show of community support, a fundraising campaign has been launched to help the “amazing” Tumby Bay couple after the weekend blaze.

Judith and Glen’s Mitre 10 store – the small town’s only hardware supplier – was ripped apart in just minutes on Saturday, leaving more than $1m in damage despite the best efforts of 55 CFS volunteers.

Money is now being raised to help the couple recover from the loss – with locals looking to repay the pair for their unwavering generosity “in times of need, hardship, heart ache and support during Covid”.

Emergency services were called about 3.20pm on Saturday. Picture: 7NEWS

The business was burnt down in just minutes. Picture: SA Country Fire Service

CFS at the Tumby Bay Mitre10 fire on Saturday. Picture: Supplied

The Mitre10 was completely destroyed in the blaze. Picture: Supplied

Country Fire Service crews were called to the Mitre 10 store on Spencer St when locals reported the fire around 3.20pm on Saturday.

SA Police, SA Ambulance services and SA Power Networks also attended the scene.

Locals in the Tumby Bay township were urged to stay indoors as smoke from the fire spread across the area.

On Sunday, Judith and Glenn said they were “totally devastated” to see their “second home” burn to the ground in front of their own eyes.

“… eight years of blood sweat and tears, the place we have met so many wonderful people, a place where people catch up and a place where people have felt comfortable in having a joke,” they wrote on Facebook.

“We have been privileged to have been able to help our little community in so many ways and blessed to have so many wonderful customers.

“Thank you to our awesome staff – and thank you to everyone who has messaged us and consoled us.”

You can help the business here.