The Carrie’s Place All Sorts fundraiser, which involved a band night, raffle and private donations, collected $4145.73.

The fundraiser also involved a Christmas giving tree which resulted in stacks of toys, gifts, food and more to be given to people in need. The tree itself will even go to a worthy family this Christmas.

Beresfield business Jennings Print also presented a cash donation of $5,000 on the day.

Organiser and survivor Sherynne Smith said the event was themed all sorts because “all sorts of people experience all sorts of domestic violence”.

Ms Smith said she was brought to tears when she saw how much the fundraiser had raised.

“When I see all of this it gives me hope in the community,” she said. “I know it’s going to help transform lives.”

The manager of homelessness services at Carrie’s Place received the donations on Friday and said they would go a long way.

“On the homelessness side, we’re funded to see 420 people a year,” she said. “Last year we saw over 700, and almost 50 per cent of those were because of domestic violence.

“This gives us breathing space.

“Maitland is such a beautiful, caring, giving community. It really does help.”