Campbell residents adopt bushfire devastated community to help 20 families who lost everything

It started as a discussion between residents of the Campbell 5 units. It's likely to end with $50,000 being handed to 20 South Coast families who lost everything in the New Year's Eve bushfires.

Jenny Campbell said she and her neighbours in Campbell wanted to help raise money for people affected by the bushfires.

They considered directing the money to large charities but then decided to take the think globally, act locally approach and concentrate on the small, devastated communities of Nerrigundah, Cadgee, Belowra and Tinpot to the west of Bodalla.

It was there that 26 of 40 properties were destroyed in New Year's Eve firestorm.

Pam Cowan, a resident of Nerrigundah for 15 years, who moved to Campbell recently had contacts in the area which helped focus the group's attention.

Ms Cowan said six of the homes destroyed were holiday or second homes so they decided to direct their fundraising to the 20 families who had lost everything.

"As we were a community and they were a community, it seemed to mean a lot to give directly to them," Jenny said.

So far there has been a trivia night at Campbell's local pub, The Pedlar, and fun day in Hassett Park. Another trivia night is being held on Saturday night at The Pedlar, on Constitution Avenue.

A silent auction of high-end items including art, holidays, day spa vouchers and even lunch for 12 people at the Boat House with Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is up for grabs. Bids can be made via the Campbell's communities care Facebook page until midnight on Monday. The Campbell Community Association has also become involved.

Donations have also come in from the community. Accelerate Physiotherapy in Garran, the physiotherapists for Canberra's tennis champ Nick Kyrgios, donated $1000.

"Since the beginning of January, we have been raising much needed funds for bushfire relief. We had originally chosen a major charity to donate our money to, but it has recently been reported that the communities that most need the help aren't getting it from the charities, " a statement from Accelerate said.

"We are so proud to announce that we will be donating our $1000 from Nick's Aussie Open Aces fund and any money that has been donated in the box at reception over the past few weeks will be going directly to the Nerrigundah community.

"With the help of Campbell's communities care and Elizabeth Thurbon and their coordination of fundraising for this community all funds raised will be split evenly between the 20 families who lost everything."

Jenny also praised Chris Miller from Vantage Strata who provided the public liability insurance for the event in the park and some of the major auction items.

"We've had incredible support for local businesses," she said. More than $30,000 had so far been raised. It was hoped $50,000 would be the final tally.

Elizabeth said the plan was to present a cheque to the families by the second week of February. She said people wanted to help when they knew it was going direct to those most in need.

"That's where the enthusiasm has been," she said.