The Guyana Relief Council (GRC) last week presented donations to eight families whose homes were destroyed by fires.

The GRC stated in a press release that Lalkaori Mansaram and family of six of 3 Vreed-en-Hoop; Chandra Goolcharran and family of four of No. 66 village Corentyne; Alice Bishundat and family of three of Laluni Creek, Linden; Samantha Thom, Clyde Walters and family of six; Carl Mc Wilfred and family of one, Ovid Phillips, and Colwyn Sam and family of one all of Bagotstown, each received donations consisting of kitchen utensils, groceries, clothing and mattresses, totalling  approximately $30,000 each.

One of the beneficiaries,  Bishundat, told Stabroek News that on July 15 her home was completely destroyed,  leaving her family of three homeless. The woman said that she made a report at the fire station in the area and was told about the Guyana Relief Council.

Another beneficiary from Bagotstown related that the fire which destroyed the house at Bagotstown on Monday last left her in a state of shock.  She said the incident was strange since after the fire was put out in one area of the home, it started in a completely different room and subsequently engulfed the entire house, leaving a number of persons homeless.

The woman said members of the  relief council were present at the scene and immediately offered their assistance.  She further told this newspaper that they were all offered places at the council’s temporary shelter but declined and are now staying with friends and family members.

Meanwhile, following the collapse of their home in Hadfield Street and Sendall Place on June 7 this year, four families are now housed at the council’s temporary shelter.

For the year so far the council has aided 41 families (130 persons) affected by fires.