The Southern Riverina is doing its bit to support firefighters battling bushfires all over the country, and the communities they have ravaged.
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A number of separate campaigns have emerged in the past few days.
The Finley campaign is being coordinated by MG Trading, while in Tocumwal the IGA supermarket is leading the efforts.
Berrigan Red Cross will accept cash donations for disaster relief when its op shop reopens, and a whole community street stall fundraiser is being planned for Jerilderie next Saturday, January 18, from 8am to 3pm.
‘‘The whole community is working as a collective to bring together tradable goods a street stall, a surprise raffle as well as a donation bucket,’’ Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae said.
‘‘This event will kick start the community effort to show our support for the aid of bush fire victims, and it will continue on in the future as many Australian families continue to suffer.
‘‘I encourage everyone to come down and lend your support, give generously and support our fellow Australians.’’
MG Trading Finley, as part of a company wide program, is gathering non-perishable items and animal feed to contribute directly to dairy farmers impacted in the Corryong area, about 120km from Albury.
‘‘We have had a lot of support from the community so far with many people contributing feed for many different animals,’’ employee Di Retallick said.
‘‘It will greatly help those who need it.’’
Within days of launching its campaign, MG Trading had two pallets of feed collected, with more coming in.
Tocumwal IGA’s efforts are concentrated on directly supporting the firefighters who have been working tirelessly in the Holbrook and Jingellic regions.
The appeal has been spearheaded by Tocumwal Rural Fire Service’s Dean Kelleher, who is the store manager, and staff members Megan Donnell, Jessica Taylor-Tran and Sue Braybon.
‘‘One of most important things we need right now is baby wipes and any washing products is very important,’’ Mr Kelleher said.
‘‘We have a lot of bottled water at the moment, so we’d love to get some other donations to help as well.
‘‘We’ve been running the collection since Friday and we have had to empty the collection bin daily, which is really good to see.’’