Sylvia Cummins woke up at 7:50 a.m. on March 13 to a chilling sight: flames visible outside her window.
Panic set in as she quickly called 911 and rushed to wake her son. Despite their efforts to contain the fire with a fire extinguisher, it spread rapidly beyond their control. They were forced to evacuate the house in haste, leaving even their shoes behind, as the fire continued to rage.
The cause of the fire has not been confirmed. At the time, Cummins did not have renters insurance.
A retired nurse, Cummins began her career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in the spring of 1970 and completed it at Sandringham Care Centre in September 2021. She has lived in Victoria for over 55 years and is a mother to seven children and grandmother to seven grandchildren.
In the wake of the fire, Sylvia and her family received immediate relief. Emergency Support Services provided them with three nights in a hotel, along with food vouchers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Despite the uncertainty and the tough news, Sylvia remains positive, reflecting on the kindness she has received from her neighbours and the broader community.
“We have some great neighbours who have provided constant support,” Cummins said. “Since then, the interest in the fundraiser has made us feel special within the community.”
Although the full impact of the fire is still unknown, Sylvia has channelled her passion for poetry to express her thoughts.
Outside of poetry, Cummins has a deep passion for music and dance, which she has pursued throughout her time in Victoria. Her love for the arts is nurtured by the presence of three pianos in her home on Shelbourne, each serving as a source of inspiration and creativity.
Much of this artistic inspiration comes from her discovery of Gigi's Cafe, formerly Gorge-ous Coffee, which has hosted numerous open mic nights over the years, allowing her to share her love of music and poetry.
“Gigi's has become a special place for me,” Cummins said. “This cafe makes me feel at home and has given me so many opportunities to express myself through music and poetry. I am so grateful for the community I’ve gained here.”
For more information, and how to donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/3401-shelbourne-fire-fund
