Auckland communities have rallied together a truckload of Christmas gifts for the families of those killed in the Francie boating disaster.
A truck was needed to deliver the donations to families of the men who died in the Francie sinking. Photo: Supplied
Eight men died and three survived when their fishing charter boat capsized on the Kaipara Bar in rough weather on 26 November.
Inspector Willie Fanene said the Helensville and Parakai communities had donated food and toys over the past few weeks.
He said when they went to collect it all on Wednesday, there was so much they had to borrow a truck to deliver it all.
"The families were really emotional and you know, not only because the event is still recent.
"But the fact that people took the time, who didn't even know them, to put together these things and gift it to them."
Inspector Fanene said the families were coping, and the dangers of that particular bar crossing appeared to have hit home.