It was hard going for collectors on the street raising money for Caleb Skinner's family, says organiser Trevor MacKiewicz.
Three collectors, including Mr MacKiewicz, took to Masterton's business district with cans in hand asking for donations on Friday.
They collected about $350 on the street and a further "couple of hundred" had been given by generous people through an appeal organised by the Wairarapa Advocacy Service to help Caleb's parents Joanne Smith and Daryll Skinner.
The couple are at their son's side at the Wilson Rehabilitation Centre in Auckland as he recovers after being assaulted allegedly by a friend of Ms Smith two weeks ago, with the toddler receiving a life-threatening head injury.
People wanted to support the family who were struggling financially, Mr MacKiewicz said.
