Trading Post boosts funding for brigade support vehicle

Mahu Community Trading Post volunteers together with firefighters at the cheque presentation.

Mahurangi Community Trading Post presented one of its last big cheques to Wellsford Volunteer Fire Brigade late last month.

The cheque for $10,000 will go towards a replacement operational support vehicle – designed to take personnel and equipment to the scenes of fires and other emergencies.   

Chief Fire Officer Trevor Bowmar says the brigade’s current support van is about 10 years old, and they are hoping to replace it with a four-wheel-drive, all-terrain vehicle (ATV).

An ATV will prove more useful in fighting forest fires or where roads and driveways are blocked by hazards such as fallen trees.

It is anticipated to buy and fit out a support vehicle will cost around $100,000. The Trading Post cheque brings current fundraising efforts for the support vehicle to about $30,000.    

Mr Bowmar says fundraising can be hard work and it’s great to have $10,000 donated directly.

Mahu Community Trading Post chair John Carr says members of the fire brigade have been stalwarts of the community for so long.

“We all appreciate it when we hear the sirens going and know that somebody is ready to respond,” he says.    

In addition to the support vehicle, the brigade is on the look-out for more volunteers.

To volunteer, call at the fire station for training on Tuesday nights at 7.30pm. Alternatively, phone Trevor Bowmar on 021 423 766.