By Tanya Steele
Another vital and appreciated donation will be given in the spirit of community to the local CFA in the Upper Ferntree Gully area at a local market next week.
For the second year running the Gully market is donating to the CFA of Upper Ferntree Gully.
The Gully Market President Ian Rice said at least 2,500 dollars will be handed over to the Upper Ferntree Gully CFA at their market on Saturday 26 October.
Upper Ferntree Gully CFA Captain Peter Smith said the unit of volunteers will be onsite during the day with live demonstrations, a sausage sizzle and meet and greet the community.
“People can come and have a chat, we’ll run some hose out for a squirt and a play,” he said.
Dedicated to reinvesting its recent gains into the community Mr Rice said the market making donations to the CFA is vital.
“CFA have to raise so much of their own money,” he said.
Mr Smith said preparations for summer are underway and the CFA have been doing lots of training as the season approaches.
“People at home should start preparation on their properties for summer now, especially in the hills,” he said.
Residents can always attend local workshops at the CFA and talk to the volunteers at community events like the market. Staying informed by using the VicEmergency app, preparing your property and having a bushfire plan are vital as summer approaches.
Mr Smith said the market has been very good to the CFA.
“We’re hopefully eventually going to put an extension on our facilities and this donation will go towards that,” he said.
“The Gully Market has been a very loyal friend to the fire brigade.”
CFA always appreciates any donations and is always looking for new people.
“It’s a great organisation to join up with and you get a lot of enjoyment out of the community at things like this,” said Mr Smith.
The Gully Market runs out of the Upper Ferntree Gully train station car park every Saturday and Sunday and CFA will be on site on Saturday 26 October.
“One of the big trucks will be down there and some of our volunteers to chat to locals and enjoy the day with the community,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Rice will be officially presenting the CFA with their cheque at the market.
