Jack Dixon Givealittle donations crack $40K

The Givealittle cause set up to help raise money for the family of missing five-year-old Jack Dixon has cracked $40,000.

The fundraising webpage had an original goal of $5000 but in little over a week since the page was established donations have flooded in.

A total of 1428 donations as of 11am today have contributed to raising $41,149 to help fund the search for Jack and assist his grieving family for the days ahead.

The search for a young boy swept out to sea around Mauao, Mount Maunganui. Photo/John Borren.

Miranda Clark, an extended family member, set up the page after noticing the influx of donations and people wanting to do something to help as the search got underway at Mount Maunganui.

The search for Jack began on the afternoon of October 1, shortly after he was washed away by a rogue wave at Mauao's Shelly Beach. The Givealittle page was set up the day after.

Donations have come from all over New Zealand with some also offering messages of support. Tributes continue to flow, including a collection of shells and a portrait at Shelly Beach where Jack disappeared.

Linda Hammonds posted: "Wishing all the strength within you to get through these incredibly dark days. Our thoughts and sympathy are with you all", while Guest Giver posted: "king of you all - Jack's family, friends and those who look for him''.

The money will go to the family, who have expressed a desire to donate funds to the people who have helped search for Jack. Yesterday, they released a statement sharing their gratitude to searchers and asked people to continue looking.

If you would like to help, you can access the Givealittle page here.