Outpouring of donations after Tauranga family's Christmas burglary

The Filo children. Photo/supplied

More than $1800 has been raised for a Tauranga family of 10 who lost all their Christmas presents to thieves this week.

The Filo family which consists of eight children aged six to 18 years old were heartbroken to find their home ransacked and their Christmas presents gone at the weekend.

Since their plight was published by the Bay of Plenty Times, the family have since been donated $1885 through a Givealittle page.

Family friend and Haeata Charitable Trust founder Teisha Reihana said the Filo family were left badly shaken by the burglary, which is believed to have happened when the family were in Auckland visiting relatives.

Ms Reihana said Mr Filo was a tractor driver working in the kiwifruit industry, and he and his wife had saved up all year to buy presents for the children.

The burglary was discovered by one of the older daughters when she arrived home from work and found a ranch slider at the side of the house smashed.

"When she walked in the front door she immediately noticed all the presents under the Christmas tree were gone, and the entire house was an absolute mess," Ms Reihana said.

Tauranga police confirmed the burglary was reported and asked anyone with information to call 577 4300. Alternatively, the Crimestoppers line could be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you would like to donate funds to the Filo family for Christmas visit their Givealittle page here.