A Hunter community is rallying behind one of their own after a family lost everything to a devastating house fire.
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Greta business woman Wendy McCormack said the Hughes family were left with just the clothes on their back after fire claimed their home late last month.
Ms McCormack, who owns Hair At Greta, has paired up with Tattersalls Hotel Greta and other members of the business and local community to host fundraising events in May.
“We want to get them the funds to get them started with the items they need,” she said.
“You don’t realise what you need until you go to pick something up – and it’s missing.”
Ms McCormack said Greta’s small size meant everyone felt connected to the Hughes, and wanted to pitch in to help the family when they need it most.
“It’s a nice, close-knit community,” Ms McCormack said.
“We were all feeling we needed to do something.
“It’s hard to comprehend the size of [losing everything], we can’t know what it’s like.”
On May 13 a fundraiser will be held at Cessnock Ex-Services Club. X-Factor acts Brothers3 will perform along with other special guests.
Online the band called for the public to attend and help the family.
Entry will be $10 per adult $5 per child. Tickets available at the door and the event will begin at 6pm.
All proceeds will be donated to the Hughes.
More information on Facebook at Hughes Family Fundraiser.
On May 28 the Tattersalls Hotel Greta will hold a family fun day with thousands of dollars in raffle prizes up for grabs and a whole suite of activities from 10am.
There will be jumping castles for the kids and live music from mid afternoon to keep the crowd entertained.
Publican Mick Finch said there had been an influx of patrons eager to support the fundraiser – a sign of Greta’s community spirit.
A Go Fund Me page has also been set up to raise $20,000 for the family.
So far more than $5000 has been donated.