Four local CFA fire brigades have benefited greatly from Lakes Entrance Bowls Club fundraising efforts, with the total donated reaching more than $28,000.
The bowls club wanted to contribute to local brigades and through the generosity of local customers and community, plus Community Clubs Victoria being able to directly liaise with fellow clubs wanting to donate, they have exceeded their expectations.
Collection buckets were positioned around the club, the club held a special fundraising bowls day, plus the proceeds of the weekly Saturday night raffles were donated. The bowls club itself also made a significant contribution.
“We were thankful that our suppliers and local businesses also weighed in with donations,” Lakes Entrance Bowls Club general manager, Michelle Fielding, said.
“The Kilsyth Community Club and Prahran Football Club were looking to make a meaningful donation, so they came on board.
“I cannot emphasise enough how proud we are that our community and bowlers have been so generous and we are able to donate these cheques,” she said.
The special bowls event raised $6604.50 and the bowls club collected $19,885.10. This amount will be added to with cheques from the two Melbourne-based clubs.
Phil Loukes, captain of the Lakes Entrance Fire Brigade, said during the handing over of cheques that the donations are greatly appreciated.
He assured everyone present that the funds will be well used among the four brigades – Lakes Entrance, Toorloo Arm, Wairewa and Kalimna West. Tim Elrington, from Toorloo Arm CFA, said the money will be used to buy a thermal imaging camera which is an essential part of modern day firefighting.
Kalimna West will be purchasing radio communication equipment.
“We will be getting a base camp radio and portable ones for out in the field,” Kalimna West captain, Craig Riseley, said.
Wairewa CFA will purchase a much-needed generator and defibrillator according to captain, Julian Davies.
Capt Loukes was pleased to report Lakes Entrance Fire Brigade now has enough funds to purchase and equip a new truck it has been fundraising for.
“This money will also go towards our next major investment, a new fire station. We will need to relocate, as we have completely outgrown the site we are at,” he said.
IMAGE: Toorloo Arm CFA’s Tim Elrington, Wairewa CFA’s Julian Davies, Kalmina West CFA’s Craig Riseley, and Lakes Entrance CFA’s Phil Loukes, being presented a cheque for $19,885.10 by general manager of Lakes Entrance Bowls Club, Michelle Fielding.
