CFA brigades in Victoria’s North will receive new cooling equipment, communications gear, portable lighting systems and other items courtesy of fundraising by Woolworths.
Forty-nine stores across Victoria raised around $15,000 for CFA through sausage sizzles and other activities.
CFA North East Region Assistant Chief Officer Garry Cook thanked Woolworths and said the funds are a boon for smaller rural brigades.
“Many of our rural brigades have been affected by drought, which is a big emerging issue and it’s great that Woolworths can help with supporting these areas. It’s just great to see a large corporation like Woolworths raising money to put back into some of our smaller fire brigades in the more rural parts of the state.”
Money from the Woolworths fundraiser will be split between CFA’s North West and North East regions.
Sixty brigades in CFA’s North West Region, including Bendigo, Kerang and Charlton, will receive portable cooling equipment to help firefighters recover from heat stress.
Garry said the capabilities of brigades in the North East will also be aided by new purchases.
“Some of the money will be used to buy portable and 'bag' radios. These are powerful units that can be moved from car to car.”
“Put one in a vehicle and you’ve got a mobile command vehicle set up in five minutes.”
Woolworths Wallan store Manager Jennifer Marlow said. “Serving our local communities is important to us and CFA does great work in our local area. We thank our customers for their support of this great cause”.
Author: CFA Media