Businesses rally to support Reliquaire

FOLLOWING the devastating fire at Reliquaire on Thursday morning, local businesswoman Kristy Lockwood has organised to put together Christmas hampers for those affected.

"We just want to show a bit of community spirit," Ms Lockwood said.

"We just want them to know that the community is there for them and we know it won't change what has happened but it might help them feel a bit better."

Ms Lockwood said that anyone can drop off hamper items to the Latrobe Post Office until close of business Thursday or Flowers on Gilbert in Latrobe until 4pm.

Ms Lockwood will then organise the items to give to the owners of Reliquaire and the owners of Shadow's Cafe, that was also affected by the fire on Thursday morning.

"The thought of this happening at anytime is horrible but on Christmas eve it is just devastating."

"Everyone in the community has grown up with the Reliquaire, it is an icon, a Tasmanian icon."

"As a fellow business owner, a few of us in the town had a talk and came up with this idea and decided to rally together as a team."

"We are thinking of them all and we hope our community spirit helps even just a little."

To donate to the Christmas hamper for store owners and their families affected by the Latrobe fire, you can leave a Christmas hamper item at Latrobe Post Office or at Flowers on Gilbert or contact Kristy Lockwood on 0400 262 187.