By Laura Michell
Fundraisers and donation drives will be held across Whittlesea and Hume in the coming weeks, as the community digs deep to help those affected by the bushfire crisis.
Sports clubs and businesses have started collections and organised charity events to raise money for the Bushfire Disaster Appeal.
Epping Cricket Club is partnering with Epping Football Club for a charity match on Tuesday, January 21, from 5pm. Money raised will be donated to the Red Cross. The event will include a barbecue and raffles.
Mernda cricket and football clubs will also be hosting a charity match at the Mernda Cricket Club, 60W Waterview Drive, on Tuesday, January 14, from 5pm.
Turners Bakehouse Eatery in Mernda is donating 100 per cent of its profits today to the Bushfire Disaster Appeal.
Community groups and animal rescue organisations have also launched collections of pet supplies, food and toiletries for communities in need.
Donations can also be made directly to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal which is being run by the Victorian Government, Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army. To donate, visit: www.vic.gov.au/bushfireappeal.
Here’s where you can make donations locally:
- Whittlesea junior and senior football clubs are collecting, water, biscuits, toiletries (but no razor blades), cereals, noodles, pet food, new children’s clothing and new men’s, women’s and children’s underwear. Donations can be dropped off at the Whittlesea Showgrounds on Wednesday, January 8 between 6-8pm and Friday, January 10, from 10am-1pm.
- Epping Cricket Club is collecting water, smoke masks, insect repellent, deodorant, Coles and Woolworths vouchers, first aid equipment and Gatorade and Powerade which will be donated to organisations in the Albury/ Wodonga area. Donations can be dropped off at Epping Recreation Reserve, Park Street, all day on Saturday, January 11 and on Sunday, January 12 from 8am-noon.
- Craigieburn’s Second Chance Animal Rescue is collecting unopened dry and wet cat and dog food and stock feed until Friday, January 10. Donations can be left at 23 Grasslands Avenue from 9am-4.30pm.
- The Craigieburn Sikh Community is collecting donations via the Sikh Cultural Society of Victoria Relief Fund. Visit facebook.com/sgss.org.au for details on how to donate.
The fundraisers come as fire crews from across Whittlesea and Hume volunteer their time to help battle the fires.
A crew from Doreen was part of a team of firefighters helping to protect Cann River last week, while three rotations of firefighters from Epping have been stationed in East Gippsland since December 28.
The brigade said its volunteers have been helping protect towns, escorting people who are evacuating the area and supporting local fire brigades in their day-to-day duties.
