Hamlyn Heights has rallied behind the family-owners and employees of a supermarket that burnt down in an alleged deliberately-lit fire on Monday.
Resident Ann-Marie Iversen set up a webpage that yesterday had raised more than $2700 for employees.
“It’s left a big huge hole for us as a community, especially the elderly,” she said.
“My kids have worked there as casuals, as have a lot of kids.”
Supermarket owners Frank and Tony Valenti showed her “genuine Italian hospitality” when she moved to the suburb 15 years ago.
“I saw them standing there as they watched their business burn to the ground.
“My daughter, who was quite upset, said to me, ‘what are they going to do?’
“The calibre of men Frank and Tony are, they’ll be worrying about their staff.”
The fire could leave approximately 40 employees without work for up to 12 months, Frank Valenti said.
He described messages of support on social media and the fundraiser for his “unreal” staff as “overwhelming” and heart-warming.
“(Our staff) respect people, they respect our customers and the fact we have so much support in the community is due, not just to our family, but the staff.”
While the store was insured the coverage was “unclear at this stage“, Mr Valenti said.
“If (the fundraiser is) not needed we’ll (give) it back. The community do enough by supporting us.”
Herne Hill man Zachary Brennan, 30, faced two charges of arson at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday over the blaze, which caused $3.5 million in damage.
He did not apply for bail and a magistrate remanded him in custody to appear again in court on 7 June.
In a separate incident overnight this week three males looted the ruins of the supermarket, which Mr Valenti described as “heartless” and “silly”.
“It’s cordoned off because it’s dangerous. If people feel they have to risk their lives for a few boxes of beer that’s sad.”
To donate to the fundraiser visit www.gofundme.com/hamlyn-heights-iga-fire-for-the-employees.
