fundraiser

Kevin Strickland was freed on Tuesday at the age of 62. He had maintained his innocence since his arrest at 18.

It was the longest wrongful incarceration in state history, but under Missouri law he is not entitled to receive any financial compensation.

So his lawyers launched a GoFundMe page to help with his living expenses.

As of Sunday 16:00 GMT, it had reached $1,511,440.

Lawyers for the Midwest Innocence Project, who worked for months to help free Mr Strickland, praised the more than 27,000 strangers who had donated.

Supporters, families and friends have raised $45,502 in a GoFundMe fundraise set up by page a friend of the Vake family, Golnaz Bassam Tabar.

The amount was donated over 3 days by 655 generous people.

ASB Classic director Karl Budge today revealed to 1 NEWS that the Williams sisters will make a special appearance before next month's tournament where they will take on All Blacks Julian and Ardie Savea in an exhibition doubles match on centre court.

Entry to the event at the ASB Tennis Centre will be $30 with all proceeds going towards the rebuilding of earthquake-damaged Kaikoura.

"It's not a bad little sibling match-up," Budge said. "I'm not sure what the girls' rugby skills are like or the boys' tennis skills.