KINGLAKE residents have come together to help a family who lost everything in a fire.
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Staff from Flying Tarts Bakery in Kinglake West baked a range of goods for the Flora Hill family which were delivered on Monday.
John Dowdle, who handed the pies, pasties and cakes in to Bendigo Police Station, said Kinglake residents knew just how devastating fire could be.
The town was decimated by Black Saturday, which claimed 173 lives in 2009.
“It was devastating,” Mr Dowdle said.
“We lost a lot of people, a lot of homes, a lot of everything.
“Kinglake was one of the harder hit areas.
“Regardless of what the disaster is, if we all pitch in and help when people are in need, it makes life easier.
“I know where these people come from and what they’ve been through.
“It’s a matter of returning the favour more than anything.”
Mel Hutcheson has co-ordinated donations for the family of four.
She said more than 50 people had pledged support by early Monday.
The Rotary Club of Bendigo South is also seeking help for the family.
“The timing is really bad, only a few days before Christmas,” Rotarian Greg Noonan said.
“We will involve some of the other Rotary clubs in Bendigo and see what donations they might be able to make to the fund.
“We’ll start a public appeal and see what can be raised.”
Ms Hutcheson said it had been heart-warming to see the support given to the family in a time of need.
“There's been an enormous number of people emailing," she said.
"It's been fantastic.
"There have been over 50 people who have emailed me and there are friends and family who are also taking donations."
A fire tore through the family of four’s Houlahan Street rental home on Friday.
They did not have insurance.
The Rotary Club can be contacted on 5446 8000.
Ms Hutcheson can be reached at mel@homestylerespite.com.au
