Bush fire victims in the Mid Coast area have been given a financial hand-up thanks to the efforts of Rotary Club of Taree on Manning's relief fund.
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The Rotary club accepted donations from the public in the last few weeks, with the funds loaded onto Eftpos cards.
The cards were distributed to fire victims at the club's temporary relief centre on Tuesday, December 3.
The Rotary club's projects manager Maurie Stack said everyone who lost a home in the crisis was entitled to a card.
"As we have talked to people we've been making assessments of their needs, some people are totally insured and so their needs are less but everybody suffers a loss when you lose a home- insured or not they're losses," Mr Stack said.
"For those whose needs are greater, we'll be coming back to you and saying 'we've got some more money and here is another $1000'.
"We're going to make sure the money is spent and we get it out as quickly as it comes in."
The club has so far raised $180,000.
"It's not from us it was from the many people who have donated from around the community," Mr Stack said.
"It has amazed me where the money has come from."
Donations from the public have ranged from $5 to $20,000. The $20,000 donation came from an anonymous Taree couple who wanted to support those who are uninsured.
The Twin Towns Services Community Foundation, based near the NSW-Queensland border, have pledged $50,000 to the relief fund.
"A lot of Rotary clubs have supported us from around NSW- clubs that I've never heard of," Mr Stack added.
The club will work to certify other victims and present them with a card.
Taree Lions Club has also collected funds and continues to work on relief resources, such as water and shelter.
We're going to make sure the money is spent and we get it out as quickly as it comes in.
- Maurie Stack, Rotary Club of Taree on Manning projects manager
The clubs will hold a community barbecue at the riverbank near the Exchange Hotel from 11am on Sunday morning.
All bush fire victims are encouraged to attend.
A Sydney couple, who presented their own Eftpos cards in the Bobin area last week, are hopeful of attending the barbecue. They will have more cards with them.
"It's their way of expressing solidarity," Mr Stack said.
Stories on bush fire victims Paul Miscamble and Kim Hinton will be featured on the Manning River Times website in the coming days.
