Over the past couple of weeks, we have seen an outpouring of generosity from the community who want to thank our volunteers and staff and support their firefighting efforts.
Last week, Mr John Gandel AC wrote to CFA to advise that Gandel Philanthropy and the Gandel family would be making a $100,000 donation to CFA’s volunteer operations as part of a $1 million donation nationally to assist with firefighting efforts and recovery.
In his letter, Mr Gandel wished all our brave firefighters the best of luck in their role in helping to keep the community safe.
In recent days Telstra has announced that it will cover the cost of volunteer firefighters’ mobile phone bills over the period of December and January. Members can find out more details about this offer at the Bushfire Support for Volunteers page on Members Online.
Today, we were advised that power company AGL will be offering customers who are CFA volunteers a $150 credit on their next power or gas bill as a gesture of goodwill for their efforts. Visit the Bushfire Support for Volunteers page for more information.
This is on top of the $500 voucher from Coles, which is available to every CFA Brigade to enable them to hold an end of season event or stock up their stations with much-needed supplies.
It’s great to see the corporate sector getting behind our firefighters and acknowledging their tireless efforts, particularly when many of them have their own homes at risk.
There is Federal/State financial hardship assistance available to households in East Gippsland and Hume regions, which includes our volunteers. Assistance payments include immediate emergency relief, income support, disaster recovery and re-establishment payments.
Access the site through the Vic Emergency website.
You can find out more on donations and fundraising opportunities on our updated intranet pages or through the CFA website.