
Lost everything in Lahaina fire
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Christine Kinney. I am starting this GoFund in order to try to find support for myself and my 7 year old granddaughter, Sage Ora-a, as well as my parents, Sharon & Billy Serafica, who also lost everything in the Lahaina fire.
On August 8, 2023 we abruptly had to flee our home from the Lahaina fires. Our home was the Front Street Apartments at 123 and 1224 Kenui Circle, Lahaina. We lost everything as many families during this horrible time did. We are all feeling lost and still in shock.
It is beyond belief what has happened. Everything gone in minutes. We fled our home as the embers were coming down on us. Luckily, we were able to grab my 3 rescue cats and a few personal items. There was not even time to grab my only son’s ashes who left us last March. This year has just been tragic and I really need a break. No more, please.
I am reaching out for support mostly because my little granddaughter, Sage, lost everything. Literally everything. This was her only real home. Her school was burnt to the ground and she experienced things no child should ever have to experience. I am responsible for her and I also look after my elderly parents. My Mother has many health issues which makes this even more horrible. I am hurting so much for them as well.
I applied for FEMA but we must start from literally scratch. FEMA gave me $2700 to start over and then closed my case. While I am grateful for that it hardly touches on the items we lost and the cost of rebuilding our lives.
The generosity of our Maui Ohana has been so incredible. Maui is our home and we can’t even fathom leaving our friends and family. This is our home.
I am swallowing my pride and reaching out to anyone in order to raise the money needed to start over. Not only for myself but my family.
The struggle to find new housing is so hard, especially at this time as Maui is not rental friendly. We were living in affordable housing at Front Street Apartments. My parents are on a very strict, fixed income and as I am just one person, my paycheck does not go very far to support us all.
I work as a Veterinary Technician and I love my job and all the animals that I help.
My precious granddaughter, Sage, is our main concern and while she has been strong she is starting to realize the extent of this disaster. She has already lost so much in her young life as her parents have not been in her life for most of it, and all she has is her great grandparents and myself. She is the most resilient child I think I have ever known I just want to give her what she deserves.
Thank you for taking your time to read our GoFund request and I appreciate all donations.
If you are unable to donate I would really appreciate it if you share my page.
Much love and appreciation Christine Kinney & Family.
Organizer

Christine Kinney
Organizer
Lahaina, HI