A CAMPAIGN to support the children of murder victim Samantha Fraser is halfway to its goal, raising money to help cover the cost of caring and educating the three children.
So far over $27,000 has been raised of the $50,000 target.
A friend of the Fraser family set up the GoFundMe campaign to help the family and to hopefully bring some joy to the children.
Sam’s father, Trevor Fraser, said the response had been incredible.
Ms Fraser was a former Swan Hill College captain before moving to Phillip Island with her family.
“I really want to say thank you from us to the community and express our gratitude for the kindness of everyone in these difficult times,” Mr Fraser said.
Ms Fraser was murdered in July 2018 by her estranged husband Adrian Basham, who was found guilty in April.
Donations have come in from at least three states, including from relatives, friends and former work colleagues.
Mr Fraser said he had been touched by people’s generosity, particularly in light of how difficult the past few years have been for everyone, “with COVID-19, lockdowns, home schooling and business losses”.
While the guilty verdict in the recent trial was an enormous relief, there are still a mountain of challenges for the family, including some significant health issues.
“It’s been really difficult for the kids,” Mr Fraser said.
“They’re keen to go to see their aunt, and they really want to go to America for Christmas and see their uncle and cousins … and snow.
“That’s their wishes, but their wishes are sometimes more than I can supply.”
Mr Fraser said he hoped the fundraiser would help make those wishes come true.
He said part of the money raised by the GoFundMe campaign would be used for a special holiday later this month.
The children, Jemima, 13, Rex, 11, and April, 9, are going to Queensland with their grandparents to see their aunt and a new baby cousin.
Mr Fraser was also hopeful that over the next few months some of the legal issues surrounding his daughter’s estate would be resolved and a business investment, on hold throughout the pandemic, would reactivate and help provide some additional income, taking pressure off the family budget.
To donate, visit gofund.me/b6e777cb or search gofundme.com for “Caring for Sam’s Children”.
