Fundraising begins after fatal Niel house fire: “Our neighborhood is deeply supportive”

A wave of solidarity has swept through Niel after a house fire killed a 67-year-old woman and several of her pets over the weekend. Her daughter was injured in the blaze on Wirixstraat.

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Of course this hits hard. Everyone processes it in their own way, but for me it is very emotional.

Family, friends and neighbors have started several collections to help the household recover. They are gathering money, clothing and household goods.

“Of course this hits hard. Everyone processes it in their own way, but for me it is very emotional,” said neighbor René Wilms, who knew the victim well. He also pointed to the support emerging in the neighborhood.

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But there is a great deal of solidarity emerging in the neighborhood.

Neighbor Bart Neeter began collecting clothing and household items. A financial appeal is also running through GoFundMe. Dirk Verelst, the brother-in-law of Guido, the deceased woman’s partner, started a Facebook group with a donation link. “Even if it is 2 euros, everything is welcome,” he said. Residents are also collecting supplies for the family’s pets. Flowers have been placed outside the burned-out house.

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Even if it is 2 euros, everything is welcome.