Local Ballina community member Kristina needs our urgent help. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, at around 3:30 am, Kristina was forced to flee her flat above the Tobacco shop on River Street when a car rammed into the shop, right below her bedroom, leading to a devastating fire. As smoke poured into her apartment, she had only moments to escape to safety.

The fire consumed everything Kristina owned - her clothes, furniture, and all her travel and music memorabilia that she had spent her life collecting. All gone in those terrible moments, leaving her with just the few items she could carry as she ran.

Starting over after losing everything is an enormous challenge, and although currently staying with friends, she will need to find something permanent and once again make it into a home.

If you can help Kristina during this difficult time, a donation, no matter the size, will help her rebuild her life. Your generosity will provide more than just material support – it will show Kristina that she's not alone in this difficult time.

Please feel free to share this appeal with others who might be able to help.