THE Upper Yarra Valley Garden Club has donated $1000 to local emergency services.
The money was raised from last October’s Open Garden weekend, where members of the club opened their gates to let the public admire their gardens for a small fee.
UYVGC president Kevin Hince and his wife Jan Hince held the presentation at their Warburton property, as part of the members’ first twilight garden walk of 2011.
The Upper Yarra SES, Reefton and Little Yarra CFA stations were the lucky recipients of the money.
The emergency services said they were grateful for the money and that even a little money goes a long way.
Upper Yarra SES controller Steve Green, who accepted a cheque for $500 from the club, said members appreciated any donations they received.
“We don’t get a lot and it’s great to see good people like yourselves helping others,” he told the club.
After the previous week of heavy rainfall and trees down, where the Upper Yarra SES had a lot of chainsaw jobs, Mr Green said members will be purchasing new chainsaw chaps that protect the volunteers’ legs.
Reefton CFA captain Dan Bennett said of their $250, “we don’t use funds raised to decorate the bank account – we buy equipment”.
While Little Yarra CFA captain Les Hart said their $250 will help finish off building works at the sub-station at Powelltown.
