The owner of Whakamarama General Store has been amazed by the generosity of people who have donated more than $300 to replace money stolen by thieves who broke into the store.
His store was broken into about 4.30am on Wednesday and a collection box for cystic fibrosis with about $400 to $500 in it was stolen along with cigarettes and other items.
"We've had a donation of $300 and just today had another $50," owner Gary Henwood said.
Mr Henwood said the generosity was "really so unexpected".
The charity had nearly been reimbursed the amount of its stolen donations, he said.