We have been fielding many calls from Brigades and Members about how they can assist volunteers affected by the recent floods. Whilst it is still early days for Victoria, we have quickly made arrangements in anticipation of volunteers needing some prompt and swift support in those affected areas.
The VFBV Board have agreed to establish a fund to assist those volunteers affected by the recent floods. For expedience, and to ensure we can assist immediately, we will modify the already existing Drought Support Fund which we have operated since 2007, to a more generic “Natural Disaster Support Fund”. This will enable a coordinated collection point for Brigades and Groups wishing to contribute financial assistance.
The fund will operate in the same way that the Drought Support Fund operated, in that 100% of the donations to the fund will go directly to supporting volunteers, and no fees or administration costs will be deducted from the fund. These costs will be met entirely by CFA and VFBV. The fund is administered by a subcommittee of the VFBV Board, and will provide financial assistance to locally arranged programs. The fund is tax deductible, and CFA will issue receipts to any donors who wish to have their donation itemized.
I have been in contact with each of the CFA HR Managers in the affected Regions, who will use their existing CIS Peer networks to collate and catalogue volunteers affected and requiring assistance throughout Victoria and they will keep us updated on numbers etc. In the past, we have provided funds for Food Hampers, Essential item packs, emergency clothing and food supply and other initiatives organized at the local level. Special effort is made to source products from outlets in the same flood/fire/drought affected area where possible, with a view to maximizing the benefits to the local community. This not only makes for a very fast response, but also assists local business operators who may have been affected themselves.
As the days unfold, and the picture becomes clearer, I will keep you updated on what support initiatives we are putting in place, and what further assistance people can provide if needed. In the meantime, if you could please make people aware of this support fund and how they can donate to it. It will allow a fast response and to get help to those in need at the earliest opportunity. Details are on our website, as well as details for people who may wish to contribute to the Queensland Support Fund which is operated by Rural Fire Brigades Queensland for Queensland volunteer firefighters.
Donations can be made to our fund by visiting any Bendigo Bank branch and using the following details:
Account name: CFA/VFBV Support Fund
BSB: 633-000
Account number: 132 481 060
Or by posting a cheque made payable to “CFA/VFBV Support Fund” and mailed to:
CFA/VFBV Support Fund
PO Box 453
Mt Waverly VIC 3149
Also it is worth reminding Brigades that donations can also be made directly to the VFBV Welfare Fund. This is slightly different to the Natural Disaster Fund in that it is a capital fund, where donations are used to build up the capital reserves of the fund, the proceeds of which are used to assist volunteers directly through welfare grants up to $5,000. Due to the different nature of the VFBV Welfare Fund, donations made to it will help volunteers for generations to come, as it is a self supporting fund and will live on in perpetuity. Donations to it can be done online via our website.
For any further information on any of the above, please refer to the VFBV website, or contact Adam Barnett on 9886 1141.
Yours sincerely,
Adam Barnett
Executive Officer, VFBV
Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria
