The North Bay community is rallying behind Nikiyah Mulak-Dunn, who lost her husband and father to her nine children in a fiery pileup on Highway 400, near Barrie.

Benjamin Dunn is believed to have died in the fatal collision Tuesday evening that set off a massive fireball and sent motorists running for their lives.

Police have not publicly identified those killed.

OPP contacted the family Wednesday and grief counsellors have been at the Mulak-Dunn home.

Dunn was the sole breadwinner in the family of 11. He also worked two part-time jobs, as a miner and welder, help make ends meet.

Family, friends, church organizations and strangers have joined forces to help spearhead a variety of fundraising campaigns to assist the North Bay mother and her children who range in age between one and 16 years old.

When Dana Force heard the news Wednesday evening that her friend's husband was believed to have been involved in the fatal crash she immediately picked up the phone.

“I called Nikiyah and just asked her if she needed me? And she said “yes”, so I went right over and just spent time with her children,” she said Thursday.

“She is such a good mother and she is so loved.”

Force met Mulak-Dunn at a church group about five years ago and have remained friends since.

She said she's been inundated with calls and emails from people asking what they can do to help?

Force is in the process of organizing a meal and cleaning train.

She said Bethel Gospel Church, where the Mulak-Dunn family attends, is also assisting in meal preparation.

“I can't take a lot of credit, because there's been a lot of different people who have come up with ideas,” Force said.

“There has been such an overwhelming response – churches coming together, community people asking to help.”

To assist those who are looking to help, Force said, she is meeting with Mulak-Dunn to get an idea about the more specific things like what type of toilet paper, shampoo and different products they use.

“Are they set for winter? I received an anonymous donation of $2,000 to help with her immediate needs, she had a van payment due today and that will help cover it.”

Lisa Love has started a Go Fund Me Page for the family.

“I read the article and my heart just broke. I had to do something.”

Love said Mulak-Dunn has access to the account and she can use the money as she sees fit.

“I try to help anyway I can. A lot of people have been asking so I decided this was one way I could help.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/4nim2w8

Dunn is one of three people who is believed to have died in the highway crash.

Tracy Goodwin Farquhar has also offered to help.

“I've had someone offer to plow their driveway this winter, Casey's is providing tonight's dinner and Orchard's is sending food,” she said.

“We're having meals arranged so Nikiyah can focus on her children and not worry about the day-to-day things. Everyone wants to help but unsure what to do.”

Farquhar said volunteers have also offered to shuttle around her children to their activities, a hairstylist offered free haircuts and others would like to purchase Christmas gifts.

“We're also looking to host a spaghetti fundraiser, but we're just looking for a spot to hold it,” she said.

“North Bay is amazing when it comes to helping people.”

Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli spoke about the tragedy in the Legislature this morning.

“I'd like to begin by offering our hope and prayers to the families affected by the tragedy on the 400 yesterday,” he said. “Especially to the Dunn family in North Bay, where 9 children lost their father, Benjamin Dunn. We will pray for this shocked and traumatized family.”