Support grows rapidly for father and husband taken by lightning
The crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the family left behind by Kane’s tragic death has has unbelievable support from the community. Read the coverage below.
An online fundraiser for the family of a former soldier killed by a lightning strike on the Gold Coast has raised more than double its target amount.
An online fundraiser for the family of a former soldier killed by a lightning strike on the Gold Coast has raised more than double its target amount. One family who had never met them donated $3,000.
The crowd-funding initiative was set up by friends of Kane Athol Bennett, who was fatally struck by a lightning bolt while sheltering from an electrical storm on Saturday.
The 39-year-old’s wife, Mary Mourgelas, and two infant children also suffered injuries after taking refuge under a park shed in Worongary.
Friends of the former Australian defence force soldier set up a mycause.com.au fundraising drive with a target of $10,000 for Bennett’s widow and children. By Tuesday afternoon the count had surpassed $25,000.
Family friend Steph Julian, who set up the drive, described Bennett as a “very special man” with a down-to-earth, unassuming personality.
She initially hoped to raise enough money to cover funeral costs, but there is already enough to finish a half-renovated kitchen and help with education costs.
The 311 donations received so far range from $10 to the $3,000 pledged by the Jackson family, who were also caught in the storm.
“We were in our boat when it hit us near Sanctuary Cove,” they wrote on the donation page. “We were able to make our way back to the marina safely with our four children but it was the most terrifying experience.”
Mourgelas, Max, 22 months, and Bella, 12 weeks, have been released from Gold Coast University hospital.
- Kane Bennett was killed on Saturday when he was struck by lightning
- He took the full force of the bolt to protect his wife and two children
- Mr Bennett has been remembered as a loving husband and devoted father
- A fundraising page was set up on Monday to provide financial support
- It has raised $23,000 in less than 24 hours- well over the goal of $10,000
- Messages of sympathy have flooded the crowdfunding page
A fundraising page started to support the grieving family of a Gold Coast man who died protecting his wife and children during a lightning storm has raised $26,000 overnight, as strangers and friends alike pay tribute to the 'devoted' father of two.
Kane Bennett, 39, was killed on Saturday after he, along with his wife Mary Mourgelas, their 22-month-old son Max and 12-week-old daughter Bella, were all hit by lightning during an electrical storm in Worongary.
The family had taken shelter in a gazebo after voting in the Queensland election when the lightning struck, killing Mr Bennett, who took the impact of the blow to protect his two young children and partner of 19 years.
He was pronounced dead several hours later after being rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, while Ms Mourgelas and her two children were released with minor injuries.
Friends and family of the Bennett's reflected on the loss of Mr Bennett, labelling him a loving father and devoted husband who thrived when he was with his loved ones.
'Kane was truly devoted to Mary. They had been together for 19 years after meeting in 1996 and had just celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary,' said a family spokesperson.
'The couple travelled extensively before settling down to have their family. When Kane was with Mary and his kids he was at his happiest. His pride and love for his family was clear for all to see.'
A crowdfunding page, set up on Monday, to support Ms Mourgelas, Max, and Bella, said that 'Kane's final act was to ensure that he took the full force of the lightning storm so that his family was safe.'
'This page is to raise funds to support Mary, Max and Bella as they grieve the loss of a wonderful husband and Dad.'
The page was initially set up with the goal of raising $10,000, but has surpassed expectations, raising over $26,000 in less than 24 hours.
Family friend Steph Julian set up the crowdfunding page to help ease the financial burden of Mr Bennett's death.
'Kane was in the middle of renovating their house when he passed away,' Ms Julian told AAP.
'So Mary's brought babies home to no kitchen cupboards and a half-finished cubby house.'
The donations, along with messages of sympathy, have flooded in to the page, ranging from pledges of $10 to $3000.
'I don't know you Mary, but your family has been in my thoughts since I heard of this terrible tragedy. I am so sorry for your loss - my heart goes out to you and your beautiful children,' said one donor.
'I am sure you are so proud of your husband and I know he will be looking out for you from above,' said another.
A statement from the family released through Queensland Police detailed Mr Bennett's active service in East Timor with the Australian Defense Force between 1994 and 2004, including peace-keeping missions, reported The Brisbane Times.
The statement also revealed Mr Bennett's generous heart and passion for helping youth during his career as a social worker and educator.
'Kane thoroughly enjoyed motivating young people and helping to build confidence in those who lacked it'.
Mr Bennett was involved with the Get Set For Work Programme on the Gold Coast for at-risk youth, and also worked with the Cerebal Palsy League, before working with Charlton Brown in Brisbane.
The 39-year-old worked to help train students to gain disability support and community service qualifications.
The loss of the father of two resounded with many who donated, and one called his death 'a tragic loss of a beautiful man'.
'Its just so unbelievable. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this awful time,' said a donor.
'It is very clear that not only have you lost your soulmate, but the world has lost a very kind and generous soul,' said another.
Ms Mourgelas said through the statement that she had been touched by the support the Gold Coast community had shown her and her young family.
'Mary knows that much of the Gold Coast, especially those who witnessed the accident at Worongary on Saturday, have been expressing their grief and she has been truly touched by their actions,' the statement said.
'She wants to thank the local community and the media for their respect for the family’s privacy and expressed wishes for this to continue.'
stuff.co.nz story: Devoted father killed by lightning bolt in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast man struck and killed by lightning on Saturday afternoon has been revealed as a former soldier who served in East Timor, a tireless social and charity worker and a devoted husband and father.
Kane Athol Bennett , his wife Mary Mourgelas, their 22-month-old son Max and 12-week-old daughter Bella were all hit by the lightning bolt during the freak electrical storm on polling day.
They had just voted at the Worongary State School and were taking shelter in a gazebo of a nearby park when the bolt hit just before 4pm.
Mr Bennett took the full force of the blow and despite the best efforts of neighbours and paramedics, was pronounced dead in hospital three hours later.
Ms Mourgelas and the children were released from hospital on Monday after suffering minor injuries.
A spokeswoman for the family said that Kane was a loving husband with a heart of gold, who touched many lives in his 39 years.
"Kane was truly devoted to Mary. They had been together for 19 years after meeting in 1996 and had just celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary.
"The couple travelled extensively before settling down to have their family. When Kane was with Mary and his kids he was at his happiest. His pride and love for his family was clear for all to see."
Mr Bennett served with the Australian Defence Force from 1994 to 2004, including tours with the peace-keeping mission to East Timor INTERFET and UNTAET (United Nations Transitional Administration for East Timor).
The spokeswoman said Mr Bennett had a gentle nature that people warmed to immediately, which was of immeasurable value in his later career as a social worker and educator.
"Kane thoroughly enjoyed motivating young people and helping to build confidence in those who lacked it," she said.
"This was shown in his work for the Get Set For Work Programme on the Gold Coast for at-risk youth and his work with the Cerebal Palsy League.
"Kane used that experience to then go on and work with Charlton Brown in Brisbane, training students to gain qualifications in disability support and community service."
The spokeswoman said Ms Mourgelas wanted to thank the neighbours who rushed out to perform first aid on Mr Bennett, as well as the medical staff who worked hard to try to save him.
She also expressed gratitude for the support the family had received from the Australian public, including the flowers and wreaths that have been laid at the site of the accident.
"Mary knows that much of the Gold Coast, especially those who witnessed the accident at Worongary on Saturday, have been expressing their grief and she has been truly touched by their actions," the spokesperson said.
Friends of Bennett's have now set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise $10,000 to support his wife and children.
Donations to Mr Bennett's family can be made through their My Cause fundraising page.
9 News Gold Coast also had an exclusive interview with the family
Donations for the Bennett family can be made at mycause.