Flight Centre supports Firefighters

As part of the travel company’s Flight Centre Foundation program, its staff have collectively raised the money, which will be distributed to brigades in the Grampians, south-west, north-east and north-west areas of Victoria.

This includes:

• $32,220 donation to the Grampians region for 10 automatic external defibrillators to be distributed to brigades and a $6,500 donation for a hydration trailer to be used at all major fires in Western Victoria.
• $4000 donation to Lockington Fire Brigade and $6,000 to Tongala Fire Brigade. Both will use the money towards station renovations.
• $8000 donation to Redesdale Fire Brigade to buy a second-hand diesel generator set and shed to support the running of the Divisional Command Centre that operates during major incidents.
• $6,000 donation to the Wangaratta Group of brigades and a $3,222 donation to the Bowman-Murmungee brigade for additional equipment to enhance the region’s firefighting and rescue capacity.
• $5,200 donation to Warrnambool Fire Brigade for additional breathing apparatus equipment.

CFA Grampians Regional Manager Don Kelly said both the defibrillators and hydration trailer are extremely important pieces of equipment that will improve the region’s firefighting capabilities.

“The generous donation from Flight Centre is greatly appreciated. The hydration trailer will supply fresh refrigerated drinking water to our firefighters on the edge of the fire,” he said

“The 10 defibrillators will make a direct contribution to the safety of the community and brigade members.”

Tongala CFA Captain Dave Wright said the brigade had worked hard to fund its fire station upgrade and said donations such as money provided by Flight Centre was greatly appreciated.

“Since November 2009 we’ve worked hard to raise a lot of money to upgrade our station and we’re hoping that the donation from Flight Centre will help us to put the finishing touches to the project,” he said.

Wangaratta Group Officer John Barnard said, “we’re very grateful for the donation from Flight Centre. “Thanks to the donation we’ll be able to update the new field command vehicle’s warning device and lights. This will create a safer environment for both roads users and firefighters responding to fires and incidents.

“These new features will really enhance our ability to get to incidents quickly and efficiently.”

Flight Centre Foundation Chairman John Whateley said while the company donated to a number of charities and organisations, its staff became interested in the work of CFA following the 2009 bushfires.

“The people of Flight Centre, especially in Victoria, are pleased to be able to provide the CFA with much-needed funds to purchase vital equipment to help firefighters and the community,” he said.

“It is truly inspiring how these fire heroes risk their lives to save the lives of others.”

CFA would like to thank the Flight Centre Foundation for this generous donation.