Family friend Millie Volckman, who had been best friends with Mrs Dowling since they were 14, said she wanted to do something to help in the wake of Mr Dowling's death.
She had set up a Givealittle page, which had raised $246,000 by last Thursday.
"We wanted to help out financially, so she doesn't have to worry about the farm and finances for a few months and can just spend this time with her children, keeping memories alive and under standing this new way of living without her best mate Gav.
"The support from the community has been amazing," Volckman said.
"I knew people would support it because they are so loved in the community."
Mr Dowling grew up in Hyde and attended St Kevin's College in Oamaru, before leaving to study at Lincoln University.
Volckman described Mr Dowling as a hard worker and an "amazing father".
"He was counting down the days until he could coach his kids at rugby.
"Everything he did, he had his kids in mind."
The funds would be used for essential items, the running of the family's two farms and a farewell for Mr Dowling after the lockdown, Volckham said.
