Although she is without a home at the moment, Ms Rickey is thankful that she, her 14-year-old son, Ben, Flea the dog and Paws the cat are all safe and well.
"Ben is coping fine and has gone to Auckland to spend some time with his dad - people keep asking him if he's okay and he has to insist that he really is.
"I feel sorry for people who had to leave their pets behind when they were evacuated - I had no worries with these two because they are like my shadows."
As manager of Volunteer Whanganui, Ms Rickey says she is not used to being on the receiving end of others' goodwill, but it has highlighted the importance of her work because volunteers have been essential in Wanganui during the past two weeks.
In temporary accommodation with a friend at the moment, Ms Rickey said she has found a great new home that will be perfect for the family and thanks to donations of a fridge, washing machine and some furniture items, she won't need to replace everything.
"I was able to salvage a large table that was in the old house, thanks to the fire service guys moving it for me, and I have a lovely old chaise lounge that can be restored so we didn't lose everything and we are all okay, which is what really matters."
Ms Rickey said Cavisham House donated a box containing socks, chocolates, pillowcases and a bottle of wine with a couple of glasses.
"A lot of thought had gone into it and it really touched me that someone put all those comforting things in there.
"Red Cross were incredibly helpful, the Big Orange donated a voucher and people have been offering all kinds of help.
"I am used to being the one helping others and I am not one to cry very often but people's kindness has brought me close to tears a couple of times."
Ms Rickey said the Koha Shed was there to help people with their short-term needs and Winz were able to offer help to flood-affected people with a non-recoverable grant to replace lost items.
"There is plenty of help available and people really should reach out if they need it - complaining on Facebook doesn't help anyone's cause."