Amazing generosity for young Frank

Frank Meads.

When the Ngakuru community found out one of their own was in need they swung into action - and the result was a community fundraising evening which raised more than $64,000.

The success of the fundraiser astounded those involved, more than doubling the amount they had hoped to give to the family of 1-year-old Frank Meads, who was diagnosed with leukaemia at the start of the year.

In total, the community has now raised almost $67,000 for the family.

The family, including parents Tracey and Jarod Meads and Frank's two brothers, have spent much of the past few months at Auckland's Starship Hospital where he is undergoing treatment.

The family was stunned with the amount raised by the community, mum Tracey said in a blog post.

"What everyone achieved last Saturday has had us lost for words and we are still trying to get our heads around it."

She said they were at a loss at how to thank everyone.

"The love and support for our family is felt and this feeling truly helps us to take each day as it comes and get through it even stronger for the next."

Organiser of the weekend's community fundraiser Suzie Evans said she, too, was "overwhelmed" by the response, which she said showed the power of the rural communities who all swung into action.

Mrs Evans said she'd hoped to give the family about $30,000.

"I thought if we could do that we'd have done really well."

She said people were bidding "double and triple the price" of some items.

"It just goes to show what people can do when they get together."

Mrs Evans said it wasn't just the Ngakuru community but all the adjoining rural communities who helped.

"I think it is just that community spirit.

"People tend to band together and everyone was just amazing and generous."

She said the event was organised by a group of volunteers who worked getting items donated for auction and planning the event.

"It makes me feel really proud to be a part of this community."

Mrs Evans said she believed part of the key to the success of the fundraiser was the auction items which had such widespread appeal to the farming community.