COMMUNITY is rallying around a Korong Vale family whose home was destroyed in a fire on Saturday afternoon.
A gofundme online appeal page has been launched and had raised more than $2000 for the Hendy family by yesterday morning.
Fire brigades were called to the century-old weatherboard property about 1.40pm Saturday and took more than two hours to extinguish the blaze that claimed two family dogs and a litter of four kelpie pups.
Cole Hendy said he had been in Bendigo with father Mick when they were told their Vernon Street home was alight.
By the time they arrived back in Korong Vale, fire had totally destroyed their house.
However, volunteer firemen from Korong Vale, Wedderburn, Mysia Woosang and Buckranbanyule managed to save other buildings on the property while neighbours and friends took greyhounds raced by the family to safety.
Fireman said exploding gas bottles had added to the challenge of bringing the fire under control and breathing apparatus was used.
A caravan was also partly damaged in the blaze.
Country Fire Authority investigators inspected the ruined home on Sunday morning. It is believed the fire was not suspicious.
The appeal to support the Hendy family is being organised by Sharon King who has told donors: “Due to the rising costs of living and mortgage payments their home insurance had lapsed so they are left with nothing.
“They are now homeless with a mortgage still to pay and nothing but the shirts on their backs,” she said.