Elisabeth Champion
A Mount Gambier/Berrin Country Fire Service (CFS) brigade is firing up the barbies, in an effort to raise thousands of dollars for charity.
The Compton CFS are taking part in the Melbourne Firefighters Stair Climb for the eighth year.
The brigade was named as the third highest fundraiser last year, raising $19,160, but this year, they are aiming for $30,000.
Funds raised will go towards Lifeline, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000 Foundation.
On the calendar are dinners, barbecues and raffles, as well as the collection of used car batteries.
At the time of writing, the Compton Brigade was top of the fundraising leader board with more than $7000 raised, and around four months left to go.
Brigade leader Chelsea Gordon said they had been well supported so far, with many local businesses and individuals digging deep to support them.
“I think raising money for mental health and cancer, whether it’s one or the other, you’re always going to know someone who struggled with either,” she said.
“So I think people are more willing to donate or buy raffle tickets and businesses are willing to donate because they’ve been affected by cancer or mental health.
“Obviously being firefighters, we experienced both.
“I think it’s good to fundraise for things like that because obviously people step up and are more willing to help out.”
Batteries can be dropped off to South West Freight for a bulk lot, otherwise individual batteries can be dropped at Mount Gambier Mechanical.
While the fundraising is the main part, the biggest challenge is yet to come – the climb itself.
The event will see the team climb 28 floors while wearing 25 kilograms of turnout gear and breathing apparatus.
Team member Renee Ackerley said the team had been training in preparation, which had been tough but it was bringing the team closer.
“We’ve been training now for six weeks,” he said.
“Every Sunday we get together and train, all this is about strength building and bonding and building a brigade that’s got a good heart and a good core.
“Now it’s not just the fundraising – once the stair climbs down, you’ve still got that strength of your core to go with what you do as a volunteer.”
Ms Gordon agreed, and said the brigade was more like a family.
“There’s a lot of banter in the team, which is good,” she said.
“Obviously, we respond to all sorts of jobs, so it’s nice, like Renee said, to have the bonding.
“We’re not just responders, we’re a family here.
“Not just on the truck but obviously outside of CFS, all these guys are my close friends.”
To support the cause, visit one of the brigade’s upcoming fundraisers or donate online at www.firefighterclimb.org.au/station/sa-cfs/compton/
FIND THE COMPTON BRIGADE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES:
Mount Gambier Central – June 29
The Woolshed Brewery – July 13
Bunnings – July 21
Blue Lake Golf Club – August 8
Aussie Disposals – August 31
