Dozens of Metro Vancouver hairstylists came together Sunday to help six children who lost their mom – and home – in a tragic fire their father is accused of intentionally setting.

“I just want to put some smiles on those children’s faces,” said event organizer Liz Abreu of Product Hair.

“Living out in Port Moody and knowing that there are these six kids and they no longer have a mom, and myself being a mom, it really hit something in me.”

In July, neighbours rushed to help several of the children escape from a Port Moody home after a fire broke out. Their mother was rushed to hospital with severe injuries but died several hours later.

The incident was called in as a domestic dispute. The children’s father was arrested, and now stands accused of second-degree murder.

Abreu decided to organize a charity cut-a-thon to raise money for the six children, who are between five and 18 years old and now in the care of relatives.

She also reached out to barber Nikki Trampus, who was a tenant in the family’s home – but luckily wasn’t there at the time of the blaze. Both women wanted to make sure the children would have gifts under the tree at Christmas.

“I just care about [those kids] a lot,” said Trampus. “I just feel really connected to them and I need to help them. That's all I want to do now is help these kids.”

Dozens of people showed up to the cut-a-thon, and each supporter received a handmade card from the children.

“It's really sad that something like this happened and we want to support them in any way that we can,” said Alana Zuliani, who came in for a cut.

The event was expected to raise at least $2,000, a show of support for the children who have lost so much.

“This will show them that so many people care about them,” said Trampus. “They are not forgotten.”

Looking for a way to support the children? Check out the Go-Fund-Me page here.

With files from CTV Vancouver’s Michele Brunoro