By Pam Kiriakidis
WALLAN mother Kristy Degiorgio expects nothing but warmth from her four young children – aged seven to 19 – for Mother’s Day this year.
Soon after the family was robbed earlier this year, leaving their home damaged and unbearable, her children banded together to ensure their mother was supported through the next few months ahead.
Eldest daughter Charli was eager to step in to help after her mother had to break the news to her children about having to move out of their home.
“I’ve been looking after the kids and obviously school holidays as well while mum is at work or trying to keep up with the housework,” Charli said.
The family settled in with their uncle Patrick for about six weeks – in a three-bedroom house that was crowded with other family members.
While it was comforting to be with family, the Degiorgio’s puppies that were found alive but severely injured following the robbery added more challenges for the family.
Soon after they moved into a new home thanks to the support of family and friends but still faced challenges.
“Probably the main stress for mum is when she gets home especially [since] there’s [not much] furniture … and she felt like she’s letting us down but really she’s not because we know what she’s going through,” Charli said.
“We have a little couch for our tiny loungeroom that mum brought … but we don’t have a kitchen table or anything, it doesn’t feel like home without that sort of stuff.”
In the midst of it all, Ms Degiorgio still kept thinking about others and dedicated her time outside of work to raise money for the Isabella and Marcus Foundation, which fundraises for brain cancer research.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, 14-year-old daughter Madison decided to organise a GoFundMe page to help her mother and ease the family’s living situation.
Charli said her mother’s actions were setting a good example for the rest of the family.
“It shows us that we can help as well, even if we’re going a tough time, we can help other people,” she said.
“I think it’s a good thing and bad thing at the same time because she puts everyone else before herself and she ends up being the one that loses everything.
“When you need something she’s always there, she will help anyone even if she has no money, she will still give you her last $50 that you need.”
To help support Kristy Degiorgio and her children, visit .
