Dyson family lose everything in Cannonvale blaze, Sailing Whitsundays helps

After losing everything one Whitsundays family of four have received a huge outpour of support from their North Queensland sailing community. See how you can help.

After a kitchen fire destroyed all their belongings, a single mother with four kids has found herself the target of her community’s good will.

Alannah Dyson was returning home when she saw smoke rising from the roof of her kitchen.
She called the Queensland Fire Department at 6.00pm and two crews arrived 20 minutes later, having the fire under control before 7.00pm.

The Cannonvale house caught fire sometime before 6.00pm.

However, the “small fire” had wreaked havoc on Ms Dyson’s home rendering it “unlivable”.

“We were lucky that the flames were contained,” she said.
“But the heat and the smoke damage and water damage just went a lot further.”

The fire scorched the houses roof and the damage was greatest in the kitchen and dining room.

In the wake of this disaster friends and family have rallied to the Dysons side, with Ms Dyson’s employer Sailing Whitsundays CEO Keith Roberts launching a GoFundMe to bring the family to their feet.

Sailing Whitsundays CEO Keith Roberts started the GoFundMe to raise money in support of his long time employee after a fire destroyed all her possessions.

“It’s a typical but unfortunate accident,” Mr Roberts said.
Imagine what it’s like when you’re 40 years old, have four kids and then lose everything.”

Alannah's son's bedroom, which is adjacent to the kitchen, was involved through the shared wall.

Ms Dyson has worked for Mr Roberts for 10 years and is on maternity leave after giving birth to twins.

“Family is family but you’ve got your work family as well and they’ve been there every step of the way,” she said.
The GoFundMe has far raised more than $6000 out of a goal of $20,000 and donations of clothes have been sent to the struggling family by the community.

Alannah Dyson and her four children are now homeless following a kitchen fire that wrecked their home

“It’s true what they say,” Ms Dyson said.
“The worst situations bring out the best in people.”

Although currently sleeping at a family members house, Ms Dyson’s real estate agent Ray White is hard at work finding her a new rental.

“They’ve been absolutely fantastic,” she said.
You can support the Dyson’s here.