Devastating Kaiapoi house fire: Community rallies around popular volunteer Ronnie Dunbar

Ronnie Dunbar with his award for his volunteer work with Kaiapoi Food Forest. Photo / Givealittle

A Kaiapoi man known for his volunteer work and colourful paintings now needs the support of the community he has backed for years.

Ronnie Dunbar, 84, lost everything and suffered burns to his head, face and hands after a fire tore through his Kaiapoi home last month.

He had recently received an award at the Volunteering Canterbury awards for his work at the Kaiapoi Food Forest and has painted several of the water tanks and a children’s pirate ship in bright colours.

One of the many water tanks painted by Ronnie Dunbar at the Kaiapoi Food Forest. Photo / Facebook

But now the Kaiapoi community has rallied around the man who has supported them for years, and a Givealittle page has been set up to support Dunbar in his recovery.

“He has a long way to go - he lost everything in the fire,” read the page.

“He doesn’t even have the clothes on his back at the moment.

“Ronnie is always helping people - weather [sic] its painting Santa on shop windows or the pirate ship at the Kaiapoi Food Forest - he always helps.

“Now is our time to make him feel loved.”

Items such as clothes, shoes, and everyday items could be dropped off at Kaiapoi Library.

Larger household items wouldn’t be needed, as Dunbar will move into rest home care once discharged.

By Tuesday morning, the Givealittle page for Dunbar had raised $3500, surpassing the $550 target.