LOVE has been wrapped around the family of the toddler, aged three, who died in a caravan fire at Boort.
An appeal target of $50,000 was reached within 24 hours on Monday to support parents Ben and Lori Keeble who had been staying with family in Lake View Street when tragedy struck last Thursday evening.
The outpouring of community compassion has seen hundreds of donors push the appeal total above $63,000 by yesterday.
The town’s Do It for Dyl - Limp4Lymphoma run that exceeded its fundraising target just days earlier, put $10,000 towards the Keeble appeal. Run organiser Chris Hatcher told supporters of the 240km relay that had already raised funds for Dylan Hatcher and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre that the Boort community was looking out for each other.
“It is with very heavy hearts that some extended family members of the Limp4Lymphoma team have been struck by a tragedy that no words can describe, and that no one should ever have to go through, losing their little boy in an horrific accident.
“As we have raised more money than we had ever imagined we have decided to help those in need and donate $10,000 on behalf of the team,” he said.
Local fire brigade volunteers who responded to the blaze about 5.50pm have been helped by the CFA’s wellbeing peer support team over the past week. Boort District Health has been assisting the wider community.
Family friend Luci Mayer started the gofundme fundraiser on behalf of the family
“They are now facing the reality of finding the strength, and finances to organise a funeral, whilst trying to find a way to continue with their everyday lives,” she wrote.
“With blessings from the family I have decided to start this go-fund-me to raise money for the family to have some financial breathing room in this time of despair.” A statement by the family following the tragic fire was released through BDH chief executive officer Donna Doyle.
The family said they were “wrapping their love around each other” and asked for their privacy to be respected. The toddler’s name is yet to be released by the family but funeral arrangements are expected to be finalised shortly.
Police on Tuesday said: “The (fire) circumstances have been deemed non-suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.” Officers said they were aware of the impact that such a tragic incident had on family, community members and first responders.
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Wrapped in Love
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