By JESSE GRAHAM
DIXONS Creek CFA has shown its appreciation for community support after thousands of dollars were donated from shoppers to the brigade.
A total of $5245 has been raised by local residents through Yarra Glen IGA’s Community Benefits program and donated straight to the fire brigade, which has used the funds for equipment over the years.
Captain Wayne Morrow visited the supermarket on Wednesday 20 November to present manager Mark Mussared with a certificate, acknowledging the funds raised since the store opened in 2009.
Cpt Morrow said the funds have meant that the brigade has been able to purchase equipment more easily and that programs such as the Community Benefits program are essential.
“It helps us to purchase items that the CFA doesn’t provide – to us, that’s very important,” Mr Morrow said.
“In today’s world, where budgets are tightening everywhere, it really helps us out.”
Mr Morrow said the IGA has had an active role in helping the brigade and the community, from fundraising programs to the work done on the store’s official opening day – Black Saturday.
Mr Mussared said it was important for community members to remember that brigades don’t receive everything they require purely from government funding, and that anything to raise money for brigades helps.
“I think it’s making sure that people are aware of that – if they want to help out places like Dixon’s Creek Fire Brigade, they can sign up free-of-charge,” he said.
