Friends and strangers alike are rallying around a Chilliwack couple whose toddler pulled a crockpot of boiling stew onto her head, neck and shoulders Saturday.

Avarie Edwards, who turns one on Oct. 2, was rushed to Chilliwack General Hospital after the kitchen accident Saturday evening.

"The doctors at Chilliwack decided that they couldn't do enough for her there, so they sent her by ambulance to Children's," said Jeanette Bollinger, a family friend who is organizing a fundraising for Avarie's mom and dad, Tia Law and Taylor Edwards.

Avarie, who sustained second degree burns on her face, side and back, is out of hospital but will have to travel into Vancouver for burn baths and dressing changes three times a week.

For her parents, missed work and the prospect of extra travel expenses are a financial stress during an emotional time, according to Bollinger.

"They're really really worried about rent right now," she said.

Bollinger got involved because she knows what that's like for young parents.

He second son has Down syndrome and had to spend a week at Children's as a baby because of related health complications.

"I know how hard it is first hand to be in the hospital all the time and try and afford just the basic necessities," she said.

As soon as she heard about Avarie's accident Saturday, Bollinger set up a Face-book page, which had almost 500 'likes' by Wednesday, and plans to hold a fundraiser for the family, including a silent auction, at the Jolly Miller Pub Oct. 5.

The idea has found support in the community.

"People are just coming out of the woodwork," Bollinger said. "People that don't even know them are stepping forward and saying they want to chip in."

Tickets for the Jolly Miller Pub fundraiser are $10. To purchase, call 604-799-3770 or email tif_rose87@live.ca in Chilliwack. Elsewhere, call 778-908-5626 or email sunflowerphotography@hotmail.com. Donations of unwrapped toys for Children's Hospital will also be collected at the fundraiser.

To donate money or gas cards to Ava-rie's family, contact St. Thomas Anglican Church. All extra money will go towards toys for Children's Hospital.

? For more information about Avarie, visit https: //www.facebook.com/HelpForAvarie.

cnaylor@chilliwacktimes.com