THE Singleton Showground will play host to the Cuddle Your Kids fundraiser this weekend in the wake of the recent Brittliffe Close fire tragedy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On the morning of Wednesday, June 26, Singleton residents woke up to the news of the house fire which saw three children tragically killed.
Caitlyn Stemmer embarked on a mission that same day, establishing a GoFundMe page to aid the victims, which raised $50,000 from 1124 donors by 6.09pm that evening.
"When I found out about the news, I was shocked and there was some disbelief," she said.
"I just didn't know what to do really, I wanted to help as much as possible straight away."
That tally has now reached $273,165 from 5034 donors.
And, on Saturday, August 17, from 10am, she, along with fellow event organisers Courtney Standing, Danielle Davy and Courtney Farrugia, hope to add to funds through the form of a highly-anticipated gathering at the Singleton Showground.
"The big focus will be on helping the (surviving) victims Chris (Rinkin), Kara and Bayley (Atkins) give back to the community by donating 50 per cent of the money [raised this weekend] to the Ronald McDonald House John Hunter," Ms Stemmer added.
"The Darlington Rural Fire Brigade, The Wandering Gypsy Caravan Bar, Bulga Tavern and other businesses have come together to make this event happen.
"The MRS Services Group will also be a major sponsor on the day.
"As a community, let's rally together and show our continued support to a family in need."
Kids' face painting, pony rides, food stalls, an auction and sausage sizzle will add further atmosphere to the event.