HUNTLY Football Netball Club is rallying around a team-mate, whose home was destroyed by a freak tornado late last month.
Wayne and Rachel Eve were left reeling when their Axe Creek house was levelled when extreme winds hit the region on June 29.
Wayne, who was home alone with the family dog when the storm hit, was knocked unconscious when he was struck by a brick and suffered lacerations to his head.
The family, including the Eve's one-year-old son, has since been overwhelmed and encouraged by the support from the Bendigo community, including nearly $40,000 raised through a GoFundMe campaign set up Mr Eve's sister-in-law Bronwyn Eve.
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Fundraising efforts will be given a further boost, when Huntly hosts an event at its social rooms on July 28.
A-grade netball coach Emily Eliades said the fundraiser was a chance to support one of their own, with Rachel being a popular member of the Hawks' B-grade team.
"Everyone at the club is feeling for the family and that is because they are just genuinely great people and the first to give others a helping hand when they need it," Eliades said.
"They had only been in their home for 18 months - it was their dream home.
"They had set themselves a nice little life and then to have it taken away from them in those circumstances was just gut-wrenching."
All Hawks players, supporters, members, family and friends are encouraged to attend the fundraiser, along with friends of the Eve family.
It will include a $10 barbecue and salad lunch, with raffles, games and a spinning wheel.
The Hawks are keen to hear from anyone willing to donate raffle items, or other offers of assistance.
The fundraiser will be held on a bye weekend for the Hawks.
For further information contact Rachael Kirby via email rachael.kirby33@gmail.com
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