Docklands bushfire relief fundraiser

Docklands fundraising group Fresh to Door is organising a local appeal to support victims of the Black Saturday fire as we approach the new fire season.

Less than 30 days remain in the countdown to the 2009/10 Victorian fire season – a season that all Australians are now hyper-aware of.  We can not yet see smoke on the horizon, but thousands of Victorians living in Black Saturday fire ravaged areas can still smell and see the ash left behind.

We at Docklands along with many Australians, rallied together for victims of the fires early this year.  We are aware however, that many still feel the effects of Black Saturday personally, physically
and financially.

Fresh to Door spokesman Ben O’Connor said: “This year’s bushfire season is only days away and the inner city community of Docklands, wishes to send a message to those still suffering by helping out.”

“We witnessed their bravery and true Australian spirit and we shared in our hearts with them the tragedy of Black Saturday. We wish to give them, our rural neighbours, our continued support, practically and financially here and now,” Mr O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor said Docklanders could each give a gift of exceptionally fresh produce to the people in these communities to help them today. 

“And every box we purchase raises a $5 donation for the local Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades that defend these communities against fire,” he said.

“The produce that will fill the box you donate is 100 per cent Australian grown and is the freshest available.  How fresh?  After picking it is handled only once, when it is professionally packed in covered boxes, before it is delivered.”

He said that from October 6, Docklanders could purchase until November 30 a professionally boxed gift of exceptionally fresh fruit and vegetables on-line at http://www.freshtodoor.com.au for $30.

He said the Victoria Relief Food Bank at Yarraville, Victoria’s largest emergency relief resource centre, would deliver the gift to those in need. 

“You can help practically with a welcome gift of fresh produce and also help the CFA to defend against fire this season,” Mr O’Connor said.

Mr O’Connor can be contacted on 0404 854 997 or email [email protected].