THE Almond family's struggle to bring their baby Darcy home from hospital has struck a chord with the community.
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Yesterday morning staff of the Great Western Hotel told the CWD they were immediately touched by the plight of the family who have only been able to bring five-month-old Darcy home from hospital for 48-hours since his birth, due to complex health problems.
Darcy is permanently ventilated through his trachea, is tube fed and suffers from joint immobility.
"Being a mother you just feel for the family so much. We all want to help and do what we can, said staff member Joanne Macartney.
Her colleague Donna Blimka said staff of the hotel had pledged to sell 50 books of raffle tickets to raise funds for lifesaving equipment for Darcy who is being treated at Orange Base Hospital.
"We want to challenge the other hotels in Orange to come forward and do the same. It would be a relatively easy way to raise more money and help this family out," Donna said.
Yesterday family member Luke Cheney said the family was appreciative of the support for Simone and Paul Almond and their children Tanika, Joe, Jack and baby Darcy.
Mr Almond has given up work as a truck driver to help look after the children.
Already Selwood's Coaches, the Camera House, Westlink Print, and Rex Airlines have helped with travel to and from hospital in Sydney and printing materials for a fundraising raffle.
Orange resident Beverley Allan, who is helping with the appeal, said people in Orange had already shown a great willingness to help.
People can buy raffle tickets to win a painting by artist Patrick Carroll at any of the participating businesses in Orange or donations can be sent to the Darcy Almond trust fund, children's ward, Orange Base Hospital. Donations are tax deductible.
To offer help or for more information call Luke Cheney on 6362-8329.
