Gratitude and excitement were clear in a What's Ap message sent by the man to April Tafe, an Australian-based representative of the Canadian organisation Ads-Up, and an organiser of the appeal.

"Hi April, I have so much emotion about what is happening and it is difficult to believe it. I haven't gotten any good news in seven years until now. It is happening because of all your hard work and organising. I don't know how to thank you," he said.

"It is hard to imagine that there are such amazing people in this world like you and the people of Armidale to help me. I have tears in my eyes thinking about this and everyone who has helped me without knowing me.

"I owe you and all those people and I will never forget the kindness. In my faith we say if you help to unite a family it is worth more than 100 mosques or churches."

Sanctuary's Jeff Siegel said A$52,000 was needed to have the family sponsored under Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program.

Canada's program has provided a space for permanent residents, members of organisations, associations and groups to engage in the resettlement of refugees since the 1970's.

"In a little less than two weeks we've raised $53,404," Jeff said.

"It's amazing, the community response has just been fantastic. The vast majority of that money has come from the Armidale community.

"People are really concerned about this particular man who has been in Nauru for more than six years, and people are also concerned about the government policy that's allowed this man to be stuck in that place for so long."

Jeff said it would take a few months for the application to go through the system, and it was still necessary for the man's identity to be kept secret.