Another day and another fence completed by BlazeAid, Cobargo.   Despite the social distancing regulations, they are still keen to keep helping the community as much as they can.

The three Sapphire Coast Rotary Clubs are working together to support the fantastic work of BlazeAid. 

The Rotary Club of Merimbula will utilise all funds collected, through their wishing wells at the March Sunday Market, in the provision of substantial 2 course dinners to BlazeAid volunteers at Cobargo (currently numbering 70).  Unfortunately due to COVID-19 and social distancing measures, the provision of the Blaze Aid dinners has had to be put on hold until current restrictions are relaxed.

A multi purpose visit to BlazeAid headquarters in Cobargo on 21 February 2020 by Rotary President Andy Thorp and fellow Rotarians, was greatly appreciated by Dean Brunton, Camp Manager.

The visit delivered much needed items such as sleeping bags, airbeds, self inflating mattresses, linen packs, towels, toiletries, etc. All of this once again processed by Rotary volunteers from the generous public donations that Anglicare collected from the now closed Evacuation centre.

The main purpose of the visit was to view the cooking and cleaning facilities on site that were potentially  available for use by Rotary when we commence our monthly “Feed the Volunteers” campaign. Unfortunately the camp is run on a wing and a prayer with the absolute barest of kitchen facilities. It will take a bit of extra creative thinking to feed the expected large number of volunteers. Not sure how they are managing at the moment. However, no problem for Merimbula Rotary, as they say “where there’s a will there’s a way”.

Finally, an added bonus to the visit was the Rotary team, after a couple of phone calls, helped Dean locate a caravan, or perhaps better known now as a ”LIFEBOAT”, for a 70+ year old couple who have lost their home to bushfires. (A big thanks to Mick Brosnan from SJA for once again stepping up to the mark on such short notice).

A very worthwhile day.  

    

 Dean Brunton, BlazeAid and Andy Thorp, President, Rotary Merimbula,  looking at their stats

       

Basic cooking facilities at BlazeAid Camp in Cobargo 21 Feb     

  

 Linen, bedding and other supplies delivered to BlazeAid Cobargo on 21 Feb

BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, their volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.

Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.

BlazeAid volunteers:
Not just rebuilding fences, but helping rebuild lives.

For more information on BlazeAid and how to volunteer, please visit:  https://blazeaid.com.au/cobargo-2020/