Bevan McKnight said he just wanted to help his mate, who was a victim of the Indigo Valley bushfires, when he started a crowd funding page on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
After receiving almost $2000 in donations he said he couldn't believe the support from the community.
Mr Mcknight established a gofundme account titled ‘Help Taity get back on his feet’ in a bid to help Aaron Tait, and rebuild his life.
Mr Tait lost his house, motorbikes, a camper bus and his cattle in Sunday's blaze.
Mr Mcknight said every little bit counts.
“There were times when I was younger, I didn't have a job and I was struggling, but he helped me,” he said.
“We've been mates for eight years and if you ever need a hand with anything, he'd be the first to put his hand up.
“It's unbelievable how many comments and shares there have been, I was only aiming to get about $500 together for him.”
Mr Tait said he hadn't even realised his mate was helping him until he was told on Monday night.
“It almost brought a tear to my eye, it's overwhelming,” he said.
“I was at the at the river with my son, Damian, (8) in Albury when my fire alarm app went off.
“We just wanted to get the dog out and the camper bus.
“We got out with nothing, besides the clothes we were wearing.”
Mr Tait feared the worst for his dog Rocky and searched for him for hours when they returned to the Masons Gap Road property.
To their surprise, Rocky survived.
“I went to look for the cows and he came running out of the bush,” Mr Tait said.
“He was covered in silt and jumped on me, which ruined the only clothes I had left.”
Mr Tait said he hoped the fire marked the end of their bad luck.
Last Christmas, Damian had his bike and PlayStation stolen and this time they were taken again by flames.
“Damian was pretty upset looking at his motorbike melted on the ground,” Mr Tait said.
“He's an outside boy, but now there is no outside.
“It's just burnt and everything is gone.”
Albury Wodonga Random Acts of Kindness is also taking donations to help fire affected families and a Lavington mother, Haley Taylor, whose Christmas presents were stolen by thieves.
For more information, visit gofundme.com/drfvgjrw or the AWRAK Facebook page
