Christmas is a joyous experience for so many Australians, but it can also be a difficult time of year for anyone who has lost a loved one. We were devastated to hear of the horrendous domestic violence assault that led to the death of Gold Coast mum of three Kelly last year, and could only imagine what that first Christmas without their mum must have been like for her three kids.
But for every tale of unimaginable tragedy, there are always heroes ready to step in and do whatever they can to make things better for those of us doing it really tough. So we were blown away to hear that Kelly’s sister Danielle Carroll and her husband Rhys had stepped in to take care of the kids, bringing them into their home with open arms and hearts to join their five children. But as Australia’s number one home builder, we knew right away that this incredible act of kindness meant that their now expanded family must be in a bit of a squish together.
We also knew Metricon could do something about it. Joining forces with philanthropist businesswoman Tamika Smith, founder of social and affordable housing construction company My Bella Casa, and a network of local suppliers and sub-contractors on the Gold Coast, we reached out to offer our help. As a team, we committed to building them a dream two-storey home, specially tweaked from our beautiful Merricks 38. We hope it will create a beautiful haven for Kelly’s kids, alongside Danielle, Rhys and their cousins, so they have all the space they need to thrive as they rebuild their lives.
It was an emotional moment when they all came together for the slab pour in August this year, with Kelly’s kids tracing her name in the wet concrete. And it was a treat to see them all once more when we dropped in to spring a surprise early Christmas treat for the family to mark the halfway mark of the build, with rooms beginning to take shape.
“The generosity from the community is just overwhelming, isn’t it?” Danielle told Today Show. Rhys added that he couldn’t believe how quickly the build was coming together. “The guys are absolutely flying through it,” he said.
Rhys and Danielle were blown away that Metricon, My Bella Casa and the other companies who swung in behind them rocked up with a pile of presents for the kids, including Lego, dolls and toy trucks. “They were very spoilt,” Rhys said, adding that the most exciting thing for the kids about this early Christmas celebration was seeing the home take shape.
“It’s still quite surreal and exciting and the kids are absolutely pumped just to get in here. They’ve been here a couple of times now to have a look, and I think the most exciting time for them was once the frames were up and they got an idea of the size of their bedrooms. Rhys Carroll
At the moment, Danielle and Rhys have two of the kids bunking in with them in their bedroom, so they’re wrapped up pretty tight together this Christmas. But when Santa comes around again this time next year, they’ll have plenty of room for everyone. Metricon knows that loving where you live is essential to a healthy, happy life. We’re so glad we could do our bit to help for a family that’s gone through so much and are still smiling.
As Rhys says of the team effort from Metricon, My Bella Casa and friends, from accountants to bricklayers and everyone in between:
It is just absolutely heart-warming. You can’t really put words to it, you know, to have that sort of support from so many companies, large and small, the lot. I can’t believe it. Rhys Carroll
Jason Biasin, Metricon Director said it was a pleasure to help spread some Christmas cheer. “In partnership with Tamika Smith and our valued suppliers and sub-contractors, Metricon is proudly working to assist Kelly’s family in rebuilding their lives with the construction of their brand new home. The Metricon team will continue to work to help deliver a home that is both functional and comfortable, as the family embark on their new chapter together.”