The community has rallied to help two families affected by a house fire on Totara Terrace last Monday (March 22). 

Within the week of the fire occurring, Wanaka Skate Club planned and held a fundraiser which raised a four figure sum for the families.

The club’s executive team, made up of Wayne Pretty, Olly Burke, and Sally Norman, arranged a sausage sizzle and skate jam event which took place at the skate park on Sunday (March 28).

It raised $1,500 and products were also donated for the families by a range of local businesses.

The fire, which occurred in the early hours last Monday, destroyed one house and left another severely damaged. All occupants escaped safely but a family dog, Batman, died in the blaze.

The fire took place in the early hours last Monday, destroying one house and severely damaging another. PHOTO: Wanaka App

“Events like this go to show how strong the skate community is in Wanaka and that we are all there for each other,” club president Olly Burke said. “With a new direction, the club plans to build on its sense of community and create a positive culture.”

A variety of businesses and groups helped make the event possible.

Wanabounce Ltd offered free use of a bouncy castle with all proceeds going to the cause and Radcliffe Electrical and Wanaka Four Square supplied everything needed for the BBQ.

See also: Wanaka home destroyed in fire overnight [video]

Kahu Youth helped arrange numerous performers for the ‘community stage’, with Paige Gawn, Ella Miles, and painter Julia Sternkopt and Alex Dykes getting involved.

Mount Aspiring College music teacher Mat Doyle and Guerilla Gigs also brought local acts Cheap Thrills, Snake Rat, and Slow to the stage.

Olly also gave special thanks to New World, Florence's Café, Rhyme & Reason, Base, Mons Royale, Caltex, Red Star, Soul Clothing, Ripe Festival, Queenstown Lakes District Council, and the Fallows family, all of whom helped make the event possible; and the community and skate park members who came along on the day.

If anyone else would like to support the families, Olly said donations can be arranged via Community Networks.