Victims of Wild Fires in Oliveira

Last Sunday night wild fires raged through Central Portugal killing dozens, injuring hundreds and affecting everyone. Nobody can recall ever seeing the likes of the wild fires before. Due to the 80km/hr erratic winds from hurricane Ophelia the fires were totally unpredicatable and unstoppable. Fire planes and helicopters couldnt be used due to the amount of smoke and the fire department couldnt cope with the severity and number of fires. Over 1/2 million hectares of land and property were burnt in just a few hours. Over half the Country of Portugal was declared in a state of emergency.

With your support we hope to help the people in our local community with some financial support in these desperate times. We hope to help the burn victims and their families first and foremost. Some of whom are still in critical condition in Lisbon. The trauma of their injuries is horrific enough so we hope to at least ease the financial worries on their families. 

We would also like to help the people who have lost property and livelihoods. Too many people lost their homes and most people lost their farms and livestock. In our small community alone two timber factories were burnt down meaning over 100 people are out of work since Monday. These fires have affected everyone and will continue to do so for a long time to come. The healing and rebuilding has already started but in many cases they are starting with nothing so anything you can spare will be greatly appreciated.
  
Since myself and Ashley moved here in March the local community has taken us in with open arms and kindness. We would like to somehow repay the help and support we received here in Portugal by pleading with our friends and family to donate whatever you can to the people of our community in this time of complete devastation.

Thank you in advance for your kindness.

Rory and Ashley