Helping out local communities is something that is deeply imbedded in CFA’s culture and a new initiative co-founded by District 14’s Catherine McLeod and Mark Gravell demonstrates this perfectly.
Many rural communities across the state are doing it tough with the current dairy crisis. Brigades in affected communities are finding it difficult to raise funds, and are reluctant to approach local businesses that are already affected by economic downturn.
Help for Dairy is a new initiative which encourages partnerships between metropolitan based and country brigades.
The metropolitan based brigade raises $1,000 for their partnering rural brigade, with the hope that this money will ease fundraising needs in struggling local communities.
The money will be directly transferred from the donating brigade to the receiving brigade. A cash donation gives the brigades dignity of choice in how they spend the money, and the ability to prioritise their local equipment and resource needs.
Partnering brigades are also encouraged to get together and exchange skills, and provide mutual ongoing support.
Help for Dairy co-founder Catherine McLeod, who comes from a dairy farming background, said the feedback from participating brigades has been overwhelming.
“Both the donating brigade and the receiving brigade benefit from the initiative because it creates the opportunity to build new relationships and learn from each other,” said Ms McLeod.
“Help for Dairy highlights the best aspects of CFA, with brigades from all across the state providing support and assistance to each other in a time of need.”
“Receiving brigades have been overwhelmed by the initiative expressing that it’s not just about the money; it’s about knowing that our CFA community is looking out for us.”
Help for Dairy is working closely with VFBV and District Group Officers, and is using mapping from Agriculture Victoria to identify the highest priority brigades. The initiative aims to assist up to 50 brigades across state.
If your brigade or group is interested, please contact Captain Mark Gravell; or Help for Dairy coordinator, Catherine McLeod via email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
You can also reach us on Facebook or via our webpage:
https://www.facebook.com/D14-HQ-East-Help-for-Dairy-Project-329055477455637/
http://dairyproject.d14hqe.com.au
For more information about the dairy industry, please visit: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/dairy/dairy-support
Author: CFA Media