Salvos got family through run of disasters

When fire tore through the tiny community of Lake Clifton in January, the Wilson family's home and business were destroyed.

Derek Wilson was just weeks away from completing the two-storey house he and his partner Melissa had spent the past 2½ years building when it went up in smoke.

DONATE HERE |

They managed to rescue three pet dogs and a rabbit. The family's much-loved elderly cat and pet pigs died.

The couple and their two children were left with one car and the clothes they were standing in. Within the next few weeks disaster struck again when the car, which was also a work vehicle, needed repairs costing $6000 and had to be replaced. In another cruel blow, one of the rescued dogs was run over and killed.

The stress of disaster after disaster took its toll on Mr Wilson, a former army officer who had previously been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

He credits his ability to get through the series of unfortunate events with the help and support provided to him and his family by the Salvation Army.