THE total raised by York Aid for the tsunami disaster has reached £28,766 - helped by a £10,000 donation from The Shepherd Building Group to help rebuild the lives of communities.

The company, which has offices in Fulford, made the generous gift following a request for members of York Business Pride to back the massive fundraising drive which was launched by the Evening Press and City of York Council on Tuesday.

It is the single largest donation from any individual, group or firm alongside the £10,000 pledged by the council.

Council leader Steve Galloway said The Shepherd Building Group had been "extremely generous".

Almost £1,000 more than first thought has been donated from a collection before Monday's clash between York City Knights and Leeds Rhinos. Club chief executive Steve Ferres said the final total was £2,981.

Harrowell Shaftoe solicitors joined the list of business backing the campaign, with a donation of £1,000.

Silverado jewellery shop, in Shambles, will be donating 25 pence from every pound of its takings up to Sunday to the appeal, and hopes to raise £1,000.

Ainsty Park Community Watch is asking residents to help the appeal and have a New Year clearout at the same time.

A skip is being made available in Stirrup Close on January 22, from 9am to noon, for garden refuse and junk, and users will be asked to make a donation to relief efforts.

People are also being encouraged to have a garage sale of any unwanted gifts and belongings on the same day and donate the proceeds. Phone Jackie Talbot on 01904 796833 or Sue Galloway on 01904 794111 for more information.

Meanwhile, individuals of all ages are also doing their bit.

Six-year-old Joshua Blount collected more than £65 from neighbours of his grandmother and great-grandmother in Woodlea Grove, Acomb, and Bishophill after he was moved by the plight of children thousands of miles away.

Rachel Semlyen is holding a coffee morning at Brinkworth Park House, Elvington, on Saturday, between 10am and noon, in the aid of the appeal, while Elsie Towse is organising a bargain sale at the Deepdale Community Centre, at Boston Spa, on January 29, between 11am and 3pm.

Anyone wishing to donate items should bring them to the centre between 9am and 10.30am on the day.

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, January 06, 2005