A public appeal and fundraiser has been launched after tragic, similar accidents struck the Koina family from Warialda twice in a less than 14 months.
Last year, 22-year-old son Ben lost his right arm at the shoulder in a crusher accident.
In late September this year, Ben’s brother, 26-year-old Braydon, lost his left arm above the elbow in a farming accident.
The Warialda community has rallied around Ben and Braydon and their parents, Trish and Greg Koina, who both work in Moree at Johnstone Concrete & Quarries.
Family friend, Gail Pennington, said a fundraising night for the Koina family will be held at the Commercial Hotel in Warialda at a date to be fixed.
In the meantime, she is appealing to businesses in Warialda, Moree and nearby communities to help by donating goods and services as prizes for a monster raffle being planned.
“Greg and Trish both work in Moree but are currently at John Hunter Hospital with Braydon as he has ongoing surgeries,” Gail said.
“Last year, the Warialda community got together and held a fundraising night for Ben. We had many prizes donated for a raffle, and also ran 100 clubs.
“More than $13,000 was raised to help Ben with his ongoing expenses, and we are appealing again to help his brother, Braydon.
“It is shocking enough for something like this happen once to a family, but to happen twice in such a short space of time is truly devastating,” Gail said.
Brothers Ben (left) and Braydon Koina in better times. The siblings suffered similar accidents 14 months apart.
Any businesses that can help in any way, can contact Gail on 0427 299072 or by email at mpennington7@bigpond.com.
“Alternatively, donations of goods or cash can be dropped off at The Commercial Hotel in Warialda,” Gail said.
“The Koinas are a well-loved and popular family in Warialda and the generous people and businesses around the district are again helping out with prizes and services.
“The past year has been tragic for the family, and any little donation will go a long way to bringing some sort of normalcy back into their lives,” Gail said.
