AUSTRALIAN Survivor's Luke Toki might not have won the title of sole survivor, but thanks to a Wagga super fan he is taking home the equivalent of the prize money.
Fans were left disappointed when Mr Toki was voted out at Monday night's Tribal Council, missing out on a cash prize of $500,000.
The former miner from Western Australia, dubbed King of the Jungle, had a clear motivation for returning to the show for a second chance at the title.
His two boys are both on the autism spectrum and his daughter, who was born six weeks before Survivor started filming, has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
Wagga real estate agent Dave Skow, who is a Survivor super fan, created a GoFundMe page for Mr Toki's family after he lost out on the ultimate prize this week.
He had been following Mr Toki since he first appeared on the show in 2017 and was happy to see him return as a champion during this season.
"I was disappointed when he was voted out. He was the one person who could have done with the win and the cash. He sacrificed the most to be there," he said.
The GoFundMe page was one of about 30 to appear following the elimination, but he never expected it to receive the level of attention that it has during the last 48 hours.
The page had raised more than $540,000 in the 24 hours after the show's finale - more than the Survivor winner's prize.
"We did have a target, but a lot of people are asking for it to stay open regardless. There are many from all walks of life donating and there are people who are waiting until pay day make a contribution."
Mr Skow has been in contact will Mr Toki and his family since starting the GoFundMe, who are "blown away" by the reaction.
"Luke sent a video message on Tuesday showing his appreciation. We are all 100 per cent blown away and words escape me," he said.
Mr Toki was knocked out of the competition after losing the immunity challenge, which put his head on the chopping block.
Australian actress Pia Miranda took out this year's title of sole survivor, as well as the prize money at Tuesday night's grand finale.
Daina Oliver
Daina Oliver is digital journalist based in Launceston. She was previously a local government reporter at The Daily Advertiser and The Wimmera Mail-Times after joining ACM in 2017. She is originally from Whyalla, South Australia, and graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2016 with a Bachelor of Media with a specialisation in journalism. Got stories? Get in touch. daina.oliver@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Daina Oliver is digital journalist based in Launceston. She was previously a local government reporter at The Daily Advertiser and The Wimmera Mail-Times after joining ACM in 2017. She is originally from Whyalla, South Australia, and graduated from the University of Adelaide in 2016 with a Bachelor of Media with a specialisation in journalism. Got stories? Get in touch. daina.oliver@austcommunitymedia.com.au
