Community spirit has shone through in a GoFundMe campaign for a West Launceston family which lost their home in a devastating house fire earlier this week.
The Denison Grove property was robbed in the days after the fire ripped through the house to add to the traumatic experience.
Campaign organiser Mike Phillips created the GoFundMe to help the Connaire family help return to a sense of normality after their family home sustained significant damage from the fire.
The fundraiser has earned over $2000 since it began with a target of $10,000 dollars to help get the family back on their feet.
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Mr Phillips said he had been amazed by the support of the community in response to the campaign.
"It's been great, it's been a wonderful response, they're very thankful and grateful for everyone offering different things and bits and pieces," he said.
"It gives them a little bit of hope."
The extent of the damage from the fire is understood to be significant and estimated at estimated at more than $500,000.
The campaign is still active and Mr Phillips encouraged anyone who is able to donate.
"It's an extremely difficult time and they struggle anyway because Eamonn [Connaire] is the primary carer for his parents and they had no insurance and things like that," he said.
"Any way is welcome, they're all very appreciative but any way they can, clothes or donations, things like that ... they've basically got nothing and they need to start from scratch."
The search is ongoing for the family's two cats, Mandy and Bobby, who have not been seen since the fire occurred.
It is understood that cats escaped the house fire and maybe in the neighbouring area or around the Cataract Gorge.
"[We] think they got out but we're not totally sure at the moment ... Mandy is the black and white one and very food driven so if she turns up somewhere she'll be meowing at people wanting food," he said.
"Bobby is the other one, he's white and sort of got patches on him, he's a little bit more skittish but he's still a very nice cat.
"Eamonn is leaving stuff out for the cats and hopefully they come back."
You can find the GoFundMe link here.
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Adam Daunt
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
Sports reporter at The Examiner. Focus on basketball and netball but occasionally rolls the arm over for some cricket coverage in the summer. Previously from Adelaide with a stint in Byron Bay. Get in touch: adam.daunt@examiner.com.au.
