BENT on Food proprietor Donna Carrier and her staff are urging all Manning Valley café owners to consider helping the people of Ravenshoe after a vehicle ploughed into a local café, killing two people and injuring 18.
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The accident happened when a ute crashed into a gas bottle at the Serves You Right café causing a major explosion.
The driver of the ute is thought to have had a stroke or heart attack and remains in a coma. Café manager Nicole Nyholt died three days after the accident and café customer Margaret Clark died on June 14.
Seven people remain in a critical condition in Brisbane hospitals. Nine other people are being treated for burns and other injuries in hospitals across the state.
Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital burns unit director Dr Michael Rudd said victims of the explosion would be undergoing operations for the next six to eight weeks.
Money is needed for airline vouchers for families visiting loved ones, sarongs for a female burns victim, phone cards, food vouchers and taxi cards.
“The accident made me think about what it would be like if this happened to us and how important local cafés are to a rural town; they are often the hub of the community, creating a safe and friendly atmosphere for patrons,” Donna said.
“Last week I made contact with Ken Jack from the Ravenshoe Chamber of Commerce. He said the Ravenshoe community was struggling to comprehend the tragedy and could do with all the help they could get to rebuild their community and help the victims and their families”.
Donna is asking all café owners to ask their patrons for just $1 on their bill. Bent on Food staff have also offered to give up their tips for the Ravenshoe community. On July 1 they are asking cafés to donate $1 from every coffee sold. All money raised will be distributed to Givit.
Cafés who wish to participate can contact Donna at donna@bentonfood.com.au or anyone can give through www.givit.org.au
