A Cambridge-based builder is rallying trades and suppliers to build a new home for 76-year-old Grant Whelan, who was allegedly beaten, bound and forced to watch his Coles Bay house burn down.
Daniel Reimers is leading the charity rebuild through his business, DR Builders, using his industry connections to bring together the trades and materials needed for the project.
The new home will be built free of charge, with businesses donating their time, materials and services.
The effort is running alongside a GoFundMe that has raised more than $110,000 from over 930 donations.
“I thought it’d be a great opportunity to give back to someone that’s lost everything,” Reimers told Pulse.
He has approached his regular suppliers and subcontractors to help build the home from scratch.
Pinnacle Drafting and Design has provided plans at no cost, while surveyors, engineers and other professionals have also offered their services for free.
The proposed single-storey home will measure about 13 metres by nine metres.
It will be built in front of the existing concrete slab, which was too badly damaged by the fire to be reused.
Reimers said the new home would look down over where the old one stood.
The plans are now going through council approval and engineering checks, with Reimers hoping groundworks can begin around the middle of November.
“Everyone’s moving as fast as they possibly can,” he said.
“Everyone’s busy and trying to slip it into their timeframes when they can give back for free.”
Whelan is determined to return to the Coles Bay property, where Reimers said he had lived for most of his life.
The 76-year-old was allegedly attacked at the property on July 11 before his house was allegedly set alight.
Three men have been charged over the incident. The matter remains before the courts.
The rebuild was announced at Lauderdale Football Club, which has supported the project through raffles and sponsorship efforts.
Reimers said Whelan’s reaction to the news had been “incredible”.
“He’s just so thankful to be alive still,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it starting, to be honest.”
People can follow the rebuild on Instagram at @grantsrebuild.
