James Shaw's colleagues support his partner and step-children

The 28 staff at Rocla Concrete Poles an Bandiana put in money to help make Christmas a bit easier for the young family.

Mr Shaw worked at the plant for about two-years before he died from an asthma attack on November 3.

Ms Kelly said he was the step-father to her children Letoya, 6, and Declan, 4.

“This gift means the world to me,” she said.

“You don’t really expect something like this, it's lovely.

“They have been as helpful as they can given the situation and opened their hearts to our family.

“I just want to thank them for being so kind, it will make a tough time a little bit easier.”

Employees contributed about $1000 which was used to purchase gift vouchers presented to Ms Kelly on their final day of work on Friday.

Rocla production Manager Simon Rigby said James was a man everyone had loved in the workplace.

“It was a terrible tragedy and now that it is Christmas time, we thought it would be a nice thing to do,” he said.

“He certainly made good mates here.

“The whole thing that struck me was the depth of sadness among these blokes when he passed away.”

James was listed as an organ donor when he died and his family told his story to encourage others to do the same and to promote asthma awareness.

Instead of flowers at the funeral, the Shaws asked for donations to go toward the Asthma Foundation.

James’ dad, David, said they had since received a letter of thanks from the foundation.

“We raised just over $900 and more donations are still coming in from overseas,” he said.

“The Asthma Foundation said the money would go toward supporting 600,000 Victorians who have asthma.

“From his organ donation, his heart was used, his liver went to two recipients and a lung was used – so he helped four people.

“That’s what we have taken solace out of - they will have a better life from our loss.”

To learn more about asthma, visit www.asthmaaustralia.org.au or become an organ donor at www.donatelife.gov.au.