The Manchester Arms is hosting a benefit gig on Friday night (January 10) to raise funds for both Mr Schreiber and Ms Thomson to help deal with expenses following the tragedy.

Cogho from 3BO has offered to compere the night, which will include an auction of goods and services donated by Bendigo, Sunbury and Melbourne businesses.

Musician Peter Reeves said the benefit gig had been quickly organised by his mate Rod Donaldson, whose son had been friends with Mr Schreiber since they were teenagers.

“(Last) Thursday night Rodney came around and asked if I wanted to play in a benefit gig,” Mr Reeves said.

“I said yes and then we went around to the Manchester Arms and asked the publican and he said yes straight away.”

Within 48 hours, Bendigo businesses had pledged prize donations for an auction including a dinner for four with limo worth $500 at One Tree Hill Hotel and a $200 voucher from Bendigo Flight Centre.

Mr Donaldson and wife Wendy spent Saturday morning doorknocking local businesses and received many more pledges for the Friday night auction.

“It’s overwhelming, how good people have been,” Mrs Donaldson said.

“Businesses have been wonderful.”

The night will feature Peter Reeves on guitar/vocals and other singers.

Publicans Andrew and Casey Quinn are donating the pub venue and providing finger food and a $5 door charge which will all go to the Rosalind Park Tragedy Fundraiser.

Businesses who want to contribute to the auction can contact the Donaldsons on 5447 0575 or Wendy on 0427 698239.

The fundraiser will run from 7.30pm till 11pm.

The Golden Vine Hotel in King Street is also raising funds for the family.

Co-manager Liz Wright said the pub held a gold coin donation for a chosen charity each Wednesday  with its trivia night, and they have decided to donate January’s trivia-night proceeds to the Kristy Thomson Appeal.

“You can’t help but be touched by what has happened,” she said.  

“We wanted to do something to help and we thought this was a good way to kickstart something.“

Wednesday’s trivia night starts at 8pm at the Golden Vine Hotel, King Street Bendigo. Table bookings are recommended on 5443 6063.