A local Far North community, with links to Fiji, has wasted no time in rallying residents to assist those affected by Cyclone Winston.

And support has been pouring in. Over the past three days, $1,413 has been raised and this number is expected to climb. In addition, items such as clothing, books, toys, tinned goods and mosquito coils have been donated.

HELP HERE - gofundme - Help Fiji Cyclone Recover

Local residents and Newsport readers Eli and Wendy Pitt who established the heartfelt initiative wanted to make a special mention to thank Bridget Matthews, Ella Bennett and Marilyn Watson for creating the gofundme - Help Fiji Cyclone Recover site and helping coordinate the campaign.

“The funds will help send a container full of donated items from the Port Douglas community, and any extra will be donated to a relief fund.

“Over the next few weeks, there are a number of planned events where we hope to raise more money,” said Eli.

Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/groups/519140881579826/

According to the ABC, the death toll from the cyclone that hit Fiji on the weekend, has reached 42, with reports emerging entire villages have been wiped out on some remote islands.

The Fijian Government confirmed the death toll, saying it feared the number would rise further as relief teams reach isolated communities.

“Forty-two Fijians now confirmed dead - disaster officials continue to deploy team to help those affected across Fiji,” government spokesman Dan Gavidi tweeted. It has also been reported that more than 34,000 people remain in evacuation centres around the country.

Helen De Ross, president of the Douglas Chamber, praised the efforts saying it was fantastic that people can pull together to assist our neighbours.

“One can only hope that Fiji is not out of action for too long. They are heavily reliant on tourism and we’d like to see them bounce back as soon as they can,” said Ms De Ross.