In an effort to further aid the family’s efforts to rebuild, a GoFund Me page was set up this week by a family friend to help raise money for the family.
The organiser, Laurelin Berlick said the idea for an official fundraiser came about after many people within the community expressed a wish to help the family.
“The feedback we were getting was that people had heard what had happened and wanted to help, but didn’t know how to get in contact,” Ms Berlick said.
Already, more than $5,000 has been raised towards a $30,000 goal, with a generous $2,000 donation from the Moama Bowling Club boosting fundraising efforts.
Mr Berlick said while goods, such as clothing or furniture were appreciated, the best way to help the family at this time was through the GoFundMe fundraiser.
“Just with the accommodation issues at the moment, it is tricky,” she said.
“The family don’t know what their temporary accommodation will look like while they rebuild.
“So while yes, people can donate kitchen items and so on, the family have nowhere to store it at the moment.
“The idea of a GoFundMe was they would have the cash available to get the things they need, when they need them.”
Ms Berlick said the fund would also come in handy down the road as a long rebuild awaited the Hamiltons.
“Obviously everyone’s concern is current, because it’s fresh in our minds,” she said.
“But come Christmas and the new year, we’ll all be doing our own things, but this is a 12 month-plus rebuild for them,” she said.
The Hamiltons are a well known family in Echuca and the surrounding district, involved in many areas of community, including sporting clubs.
Ms Berlick said the family was as humble as they came.
“These are salt-of-the =earth, genuine, authentic characters,” Ms Berlick said.
“Lisa the other the day was saying how she couldn’t quite handle this, but they don’t want to ask for money. But I said no, we are offering this. That’s their type of character.
“There is never any hidden judgement from them, they are very good people.”
Ms Berlick relayed that the family had expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of support they had received and were still receiving from the community.
To donate to the fundraiser, head to gofundme.com and search for “Help the Hamiltons get back on their feet”.
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