A DEDICATED group of volunteers continues to keep Limestone Coast households warm during the “tough” winter conditions, while delivering much-needed support to the community.
What started as an opportunity to make use of spare wood on private and council-owned properties has became a significant “portfolio project” for the Lions Club of Mount Gambier.
Project manager Stephen Bell said the wood cutting program has allowed the group to inject significant funds into the community through various wood purchases and raffles since it was established over 12 years ago.
The annual 5GTR-FM and Lions Club of Mount Gambier winter raffle is one recent example, raising over $800 for the community radio station this year.
Station manager Annette Smith said the raffle – held annually – was the largest annual fundraiser for the station.
“This year we raised slightly less than what we have seen during the past four years of involvement,” she said.
“We still raised a significant amount which will be used to purchase essential equipment for the station.
“We hope to continue our collaboration with the wood cutting project for years to come.”
Ms Smith said firewood is a valuable asset for households when faced with cold weather.
“When you consider the price of electricity continuing to rise, it can be hard for families to keep going,” Ms Smith said.
“Just looking at the socio-economic state of Mount Gambier, you can see people do seem to struggle.
“Hopefully the wood does go to someone in need each year.”
The radio station representative thanks the Lions Club of Mount Gambier, which donated around $350 worth of firewood for the raffle.
Dartmoor resident Jenna Hunt won the raffle and took home around two tonnes of mixed gum.
Mr Bell said wood collected during the year is either donated to not-for-profit organisations in need or purchased by individuals.
“The funds we raise from selling the wood are then made available to make donations to other organisations by the club,” he said.
“At the moment we are stock-pilling wood from a council-owned site and how long we are able to do this will be determined by the city council.
“They have been good to us through since the project first came into existence.”
Mr Bell said the project has since dwindled in its donation numbers, becoming a strain for the ageing club members.
“We have over a dozen members involved but it is getting hard for us to spit and load trailer loads of wood due to age restrictions,” he said.
“We would love to see some younger individuals join the club and help keep this project going.”
