Ms Hodgins, from Blampied, a teacher at Mount Clear College, died in the devastating tsunami in Samoa a fortnight ago.

Mt Clear College and Ballarat Grammar, where Vivien's daughters Stephanie and Carla studied, have joined Vivien's partner Cr Rod May to create the appeal as a positive response to the tragedy.

"My mum would be so proud to know that the two schools, which meant so much to our family, have joined us in this effort," Stephanie said.

Ballarat Grammar headmaster Stephen Higgs said the appeal would support Samoan communities as they rebuild, reflecting the interest in community-building that took Vivien to Samoa.

"The appeal will also support education in Samoa and establish a perpetual scholarship to honour Viv's outstanding contribution to the education of students in the Ballarat area," he said.

Both schools are calling on their partner schools in Ballarat to support the fundraising.

"This appeal will celebrate Vivien's life, which was devoted to the education of young people and to ensuring that her students were as well equipped as she could have them to face their future," said Mt Clear College deputy principal Jenni Bromley.

"We would also encourage the broader Ballarat community to honour Viv's life, and the inspiration she gave her students."

Donations can be sent to the Vivien Hodgins Samoan Appeal, PO Box 1194, Wendouree Village, Victoria 3355.

Credit card donations may be made by calling 5338 0950 during business hours.