Members of the Bathurst community are quickly answering the call to support a local family who tragically lost everything in a house fire on the weekend.
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Lee Barnes, her partner Chris Eather and her sons, Nathan and Beau, were left homeless on Saturday morning after a fire caused substantial damage to their home in West Street, West Bathurst and claimed the life of their family cat.
In response, a GoFundMe page has been set up by Ms Barnes' niece, Emma for members of the community to donate to the family and Glenray Industries [Ms Barnes' place of employment] have started to accept donations at their Howick Street office.
Glenray plan management coordinator Lisa Wood, who works closely with Ms Barnes, said the office will welcome any smaller donations to assist the family.
"The front desk is accepting anything from cash [or gift cards if it's a more comfortable alternative] to smaller items for the home, such as sheets, towels and kitchen utensils," Ms Wood said.
"A person [who wishes to remain anonymous] has already offered new accommodation to the family and once more details emerge, we'll accept any offers of larger items, such as beds, couches and dining tables."
With the Christmas period fast approaching, Ms Wood said Glenray will also accept gifts and food products.
"Lee's two sons are 22 and 18, in case anyone wishes to donate presents and needs an indication of ages," she said.
"We feel devastated for Lee and her family, but we want to do whatever we can to help them... it's such an awful, awful thing to happen so close to Christmas."
In addition to Glenray, Ms Wood started a private fundraiser for the family among close friends, which has already raised around $3000.
The GoFundMe fundraiser had raised $3840 as of midday on Monday.
Ms Wood said any donation, little or large, will go a long way.
"Lee's such a beloved member of staff and a good friend, and we can't begin to imagine what she's going through."
To donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser, visit au.gofundme.com and search 'help Lee's family as fire destroys family home.'
To donate to Glenray, drop in to the organisation's office at 225 Howick Street or call 63312388.
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Sam Bolt
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
