The Portobello community has rallied to support a family left with nothing but the clothes they were wearing, after a fire gutted their home on Wednesday.
Frenchman Julien Arriaga risked his life by running into a burning sleepout at Harington Point where he and his family had been living, to rescue as many of their belongings as possible.
He managed to throw many items of value on to the front lawn, but when he escaped the burning building he found the tinder-dry grass had caught fire, and the rescued items had also gone up in flames.
Mr Arriaga, his wife, New Zealander Louise Power, and their two children had refurbished the old sleepout at Ms Power's parents' Harington Point house during visits from France in recent years.
They spent eight months living in France and the remainder of the year living in the sleepout, where they had recently completed a new kitchen.
The family lost everything in the fire.
While the cause is still to be determined, it is believed the blaze might have been caused by an electrical fault.
The family have received messages of support and offers of clothes, toys and even a television through the Otago Daily Times Facebook page, and donation boxes have been set up at the Portobello Store and Portobello Hotel.
Portobello Hotel owner Sarah Cunningham said the business was happy to get behind the family and support them in their time of need.
''The community is really close here. Everybody knows everybody else's business, whether that's a good thing or not.
''When things like this happen, we like to get together and support each other.''
Mrs Cunningham said bar staff were collecting change from drinks purchases and it was hoped several hundred dollars could be raised for the family.
''Every bit of change from a pint of beer helps. No doubt, Friday night will be the night we will start raising a lot of money.
''Certainly, the locals that come in here are always happy to give a bit of loose change from their handle, to whatever the cause is at the time.''
Mr Arriaga said the family were still coming to terms with their loss, but were extremely grateful for the support they were receiving from the community.
''It's very kind.
''We're really private people, so it's very hard for us to receive these kind wishes and donations.
''But we really appreciate the support.''
Mr Arriaga said he was most grateful no-one was hurt in the blaze.
''We're still coming to terms with what we've lost, but we haven't lost anything irreplaceable.''
