A CAMPAIGN to raise money for the children of murdered woman Tara Costigan, has spread rapidly across the region raising more than $76,000 in less than a week.
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Queanbeyan woman Emma Luke started the fund, having been to school with Ms Costigan at Queanbeyan High School and said the response had been huge.
"Everybody's touched by it. She has so many friends and other people who just want to help her kids at this time. Her family is massive as well, so lots of support for them," she said.
Neighbours, friends and strangers have expressed their shock at the 28-year-old's horrific death on the weekend on social media, organising fundraising walks and donations for her three young children left behind.
Ms Costigan sought court protection from her ex-partner just one day before he allegedly killed her and attacked two other people in Calwell on Saturday.
Tense scenes greeted alleged killer Marcus Rappel, 40, as he appeared in a court charged with her murder on Monday.
The outpouring of support for Ms Costigan's three children shows how the tragedy has rocked the city.
By 4pm on Tuesday, more than $52,000 had been raised on an online fundraising site for her two sons and week-old baby girl.
Ms Luke said she has raised the target from $20,000 to $40,000 after the initial goal was reached within hours of the court appearance. It has since been raised further to $100,000.
"As long as people are donating, I'll keep the GoFundMe page open," she said.
Ms Luke said she had been in contact with the Costigan family and 100 per cent of the funds were destined for Ms Costigan's three children and their schooling.
"She may be gone but the effect she has made on our lives will never be forgotten," she said.
More than 2000 people have signed up for a fundraising walk next to Lake Burley Griffin on March 22, organised on Monday night by a number of friends including Stevie Barrie, a member of a mums' exercise group Ms Costigan was part of.
"We are organising a walk in her memory and to raise funds for these beautiful children left behind from this tragedy," Ms Barrie said.
Ms Luke said the walk was also a statement.
"It's for Tara, but at the same time we're walking against domestic violence and raising awareness and support for other people," she said.
Ms Luke also said friends will also consider setting up a not-for-profit organisation in Ms Costigan's name in the future.
"We want to use what's happened to our friend Tara. There's a lot of people who have gone through this," Ms Luke said.
To donate please visit www.gofundme.com/nip4f8
