A family of 11 people reportedly leaving the Gloriavale Christian community on the West Coast for a new life in Timaru are receiving help from a Givealittle crowdfunding campaign .
Timaru woman Liz Gregory and her husband Graham set up the page to try and help the family "start their lives from scratch".
Leaving the community will mean they are shunned and will no longer be able to contact the people there.
"It's a very difficult decision to leave, and it means they may never see their family and friends again. They have to start their lives from scratch in an unfamiliar environment," the Givealittle page reads.
The campaign has received significant support, including clothing and even an offer of employment for the father of the family. So far over $1000 has been raised via the crowdfunding drive.
Amanda Evans has visited the reclusive Christian community three times and says she simply doesn’t see the dark realities the media enjoys repeating.
They are now seeking a place to live and other items.
"The family needs an 11-12 seater van to fit them all, along with a vehicle for Dad to commute to work. Funds raised will also be used to help set the children up for school (uniforms, fees etc), and to enable the family to move into a suitable house," Ms Gregory writes.
Ms Gregory has formerly helped another Gloriavale set up a new life outside the community, taking in a family of 14 in 2015.
The family do not want to talk to media at this stage.
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