Sisters launch plea for help

Two of the Jones sisters, Megan, 18 (left), and Caitlin, 28, stand where their parents' shed stood before a fire destroyed it. Photo / George Novak

Four Bay sisters are fundraising to get their parents through another year of farming, after much of their equipment and machinery was destroyed in a fire last week.

Angela, Caitlin, Ashleigh and Megan Jones launched a Givealittle page last week, in a bid to get a new hay baler for their parents, Kevin and Lindi Jones, who farm in Welcome Bay.

The couple were left devastated after a fire ripped through their woolshed and workshop, destroying nearly all their farming equipment that had been collected by the family over generations.

"That's the last thing they need, it's so heartbreaking," 20-year-old daughter Ashleigh said.

Since the fire, people from all over New Zealand had been asking how they could help, she said.

Her parents were amazed by the support. "They couldn't believe it. Mum almost burst into tears. She couldn't believe people were willing to donate."

Her parents were still coping with the farm day-to-day but were in desperate need of a hay baler, Ashleigh said.

Insurance for their hay baler had not been enough to cover a second-hand baler.

"We can't really put a price on it, we don't have a set goal. Whatever people can give, we appreciate anything that will help out."

The sisters got together and launched the page for their parents, writing: "Help us give our parents a chance to get through another year, by helping us buy them a new hay baler!

"The biggest loss for them is the hay baler. Without it, this summer they can't make hay to keep the cows and horses fed during the winter, or make hay for our neighbours, which is a crucial part of their income.

"Dad works every day from dawn to dusk to provide for us, his four daughters, with mum by his side. We love our dad more than anything and we want to help him like he helps us - without question - whenever we need it.

"Our mum works every day, doing hard farm labour that even we couldn't do on a daily basis.

"She is an amazing woman and has worked side-by-side with dad for years."

The sisters will also be holding a gala day fundraiser at Tauranga Riding for the Disabled in October.