Almost $50,000 has been raised for the three Nepalese sisters whose parents and younger brother died in this week's fire in Waimate.
Tika, Pram and Tej Kafle Photo: Facebook
Tej Narayan Kafle, his wife Tika and their eight-year-old son Prem died in a fire in the family's home above their restaurant on Wednesday morning.
The couple's three daughters - aged 11, 17 and 24 - escaped the fire by climbing onto the roof from a bedroom window.
Listen to Tulsi Kafle's account of her experience on Thursday's Checkpoint
Grandparents Kaladhar and Tulsi Kafle with Manisha (17), Mamata (11) and Tulsi (24). Photo: RNZ / Rachel Graham
Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley said more than $40,000 had been donated to a mayoral fund for the family, while a separate Givealittle page had raised close to $10,000.
Mr Rowley said he met the Kafle family's solicitor today and said a trust fund would be established to ensure the money would directly benefit the surviving daughters.
He said people from around the country have donated money, and said the Waimate community would be holding various fundraising events this weekend.
A funeral for the victims was held in Christchurch last night, and the daughters are being cared for by extended family.
Meanwhile, Fire Service spokesman Peter Riordan said staff had completed their investigation but would not be releasing any information about what caused the blaze.
He said the information would be passed to the Coroner through the police.