CFA was the recipient of the generous amount of $13,284 raised from the 2014 Red Balloon Day, with the money allocated to volunteer training and development around the state.
National Red Balloon Day is the initiative of Bendigo woman Jody Hardiman, who was inspired by a local Geelong event, to honour and thank firefighters around Australia.
All funds raised in each state are donated back to that state’s fire services.
CFA Executive Manager Financial Services, Nigel McCormick, said initiatives that supported our firefighters were always welcome and he commended the efforts of the organisers.
“Red Balloon Day was first held last year with funds raised for firefighting services in all states and territories,” Mr McCormick said.
It was again held on 28 February this year, with money raised through the sale of red balloons, which people were asked to tie onto their letterbox for the day.
“The funds raised help CFA to support volunteers in a number of ways,” Mr McCormick said.
“For example, it allowed us to support 19 volunteers across CFA Districts to attend the Emergency Management Conference in Melbourne in July last year.
The funds also supported CFA’s involvement in the Emergency Services Foundation, Volunteer Leaders Forum.
The forum is open to all emergency management agencies and is focused on developing knowledge for current and future volunteer leaders.
“CFA, being the largest volunteer-based organisation in the sector, had 80 positions allocated for the forum,” Mr McCormick said.
Another initiative being supported is a regional training session at Bendigo for volunteers who provide peer support.
“The focus will be around providing leadership training in peer coordination to support CFA volunteers in times of personal crisis,” he said.
Author: CFA News