By REBECCA BILLS
THE children at Olinda Rural Fire Brigade are excited with new boots and equipment following a $1200 grant from Telstra’s Kids Fund.
The junior fire-fighter program at the Olinda brigade has about eight members between 11 to 16 years old and teaches basic skills to prepare them to become fire-fighters.
Junior leader at the Olinda brigade Julie de Loryn said everything the children learn as juniors is just a basic version of what the senior members learn.
“On a slightly less intense level we teach them everything like that so when they turn 16 they can become a fire-fighter if they want to,” she said.
“To get the kids boots and safety gear is awesome.
“Otherwise it would be them having to go out and fundraising and they are all busy with school.”
Twelve-year-old Pyper Charlton from the junior fire-fighter program said she likes helping out around the station and meeting new people through the program.
“We get to ride around on the fire trucks and fold hoses,” she said.
“We learn how to tie knots and what to do in a fire situation.”
Grant recipients are nominated by Telstra employees whose children in their immediate family are actively involved in the community organisation.
Telstra Country Wide area general manager for Melbourne’s north-east Ingrid Harvey said the grants positively impact on children’s lives and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
“It’s absolutely terrific to be able to encourage local communities to work with children,” Ms Harvey said.
“It’s all about their education and supporting them and watching children grow and develop.
“Over the past 12 years, Telstra’s Kids Fund has provided $8.8 million to help more than 7600 local organisations across Australia.”
