Rural firefighters who have been saving lives and homes all over the Hastings have been given a welcome cash boost.
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Following the tragic bushfires that ravaged much of our area recently, Hastings Co-op has donated $10,000 from Community Chest grants funding to 20 local Rural Fire Service crews.
Their banking institution, National Australia Bank will also donate a further $10,000 directly to RFS efforts in the region.
"Worsening drought conditions and the onset of summer will only see the bushfire risk increase so we made the decision to re-direct our Community Chest grants this year to help boost the RFS's firefighting capabilities to protect our local community," chief executive officer Allan Gordon said.
"Like our customers, we are in awe of the selfless dedication of the RFS' volunteers and are indebted for all they do."
NSW RFS Superintendent Kam Baker explained that the $20,000 will be dispersed to each station in the Hastings district, including: Beechwood, Bonny Hills, Byabarra, Camden Haven, Comboyne, Long Flat/Ellenborough, Hollisdale, Huntingdon, King Creek, Lake Cathie, Lake Innes, Lorne, North Shore, Pappinbarra, Pembrooke, Rollands Plains, Telegraph Point, Wauchope and the Hastings Communications Group.
Hastings Co-op also donated five pallets of bottled water for volunteers. Already this year the local RFS crews have battled 2,000 fires in the Hastings and is on alert given the ongoing drought and diminishing water supplies.
"The generous donations from Hastings Co-op and NAB will be used to purchase a range of vital firefighting equipment, training tools and hand-held radios," Supt Baker said.
"We are very grateful to Hastings Co-op and understand this donation is funded from specially-marked Community Chest products in their IGAs, so we owe a big thank you to customers as well."
Former NSW Premier Mike Baird who now works for NAB said the firefighters were angels on the ground who helped the community in their hour of need.
"Thank you for all you have done. You know what community is, you know what an hour of darkness is. For you to be there when we needed you is something we are very proud of," he said.
Mr Gordon explained that every time customers purchase a specially-marked Community Chest or Community Co product at any Hastings Co-op IGA, they can feel good about giving back to the community.
"Our Community Chest grants have always been about giving back to the tapestry of community groups that contribute to the Hastings way of life, and I think everyone would agree that our local RFS brigades are very deserving indeed," he said.