Casuarina, Tweed home burns to ground in horror NSW thunderstorms

The Tweed community is rallying around a “selfless” family after their home was tragically burned to the ground amid the recent storms, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

On Thursday the Northern NSW storms brought "unimaginable heartbreak to two of the most selfless and caring people" and their children in Casuarina after their home and all their belongings were lost in a fire. Picture: GoFundMe/Supplied.

The Tweed community is rallying around a “selfless” family after their home was tragically burned to the ground amid the recent storms, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Casuarina husband and wife, Shantia and Luke Donaldson, lost everything “in an instant” when a lightning storm sparked a fire, burning their house to the ground on Thursday, January 16.

Jamie Donaldson said the couple and their four children are an “incredible family”.

“Everything they had worked so hard for was gone, leaving them with nothing but the clothes they were wearing that day,” she said.

The mega January 16 storms saw more than 100,000 homes across NSW left without power and more than 300,000 lightning strikes reported across the state.

The house fire began during recent storms across NSW. Picture: Roni Bintang

Fire and Rescue Acting Superintendent Aaron Ross said lightning strikes also sparked house fires in several Sydney suburbs.

The Casuarina family’s home burnt down on January 16. Picture: Fire and Rescue, generic

A GoFundMe has been created to raise money for the family who lost everything.

More than $18,000 has been raised in a matter of days, with more than 100 community members emptying their pockets in support.

“Despite their immense loss, Shantia and Luke didn’t want us to create this GoFundMe, as they are always the first to help others but never ask for help themselves,” Ms Donaldson said.

“However, we’ve made the decision to step in for them because now, more than ever, they need support from their community.”

Shantia and Luke Donaldson. Picture: Jessica Otto

Ms Donaldson said the family was “overwhelmed” by the community support.

“Every contribution, no matter the size, is making a difference,” she said.

“Thank you so much for standing with this beautiful family in their time of need.”

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