THE Cootamundra Rural Fire Service Aviation Brigade has received a boost to the tune of $2300 courtesy of a Lions Club wood raffle.
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As a relatively new brigade with limited members and only $72 in the bank, the Cootamundra Lions Club came to the rescue of this branch of the Rural Fire Service when they offered proceeds of their wood raffle.
Funds will go towards some of the miscellaneous costs associated with the running of the brigade that are not covered by the RFS.
Brigade members put their hands up to sell the tickets, diligently manning stalls for three weeks all day Thursday and Friday and on Saturday mornings. Special mention must go to Bruce Smith and Bryan Gawthrop who gave a great deal of their personal time.
The Aviation Brigade formed around three years ago with a group of volunteers putting up their hands to be part of the support service.
They are based at the airport during bushfires assisting with refuelling of retardant. They were formally recognised as a brigade in 2013.
During the course of their time together, members have worked loading fire-bombing aircraft at major blazes across NSW including last year’s Stockinbingal fire, the Blue Mountains fires when they were based at Albion Park, the state forest fire at Scone in NSW, last summer’s fires around Wagga and the 2012 fire between Jugiong and Yass.
The RFS Zone Management Team has supported and encouraged the brigade with equipment and a new headquarters, as has Cootamundra Shire Council.
It is miscellaneous items aimed at the welfare of volunteers and accounting equipment that is not typically funded by the RFS. As such this donation will certainly come in handy.
Aviation Brigade captain John Ashcroft paid tribute to Lions for their support.
“Thanks to Lions Club’s consideration and generosity, the brigade is now in a positive position to move into the next fire season much more confidently,” Mr Ashcroft said.
Lions Club member Eric Thorburn said it is the principle of Lions to supply wood, tickets and advertising materials to worthy organisations in an effort to help them fundraise.
The wood is collected by Lions Club members.
The load of wood was won by Mrs Marion of Cootamundra.
