Rolling up the sleeves for those in need
Residents from Ingenia Lifestyle Lake Conjola and The Grange have come together to support those affected by the South Coast and Taree bushfires donating fresh food and sandwiches and raising funds for those in need.
Ingenia Lifestyle Lake Conjola
The community’s social committee heard about the need for donations and quickly went to work collecting cash donations from their neighbours to go towards buying fresh food for those affected by the natural disaster.
Ingenia Lifestyle Lake Conjola Community Manager Krystal Bourke said she was blown away by the community spirit the residents have shown.
“It was amazing to see how quickly the community was able to come together to raise money to go towards the food donation,” Ms Bourke said.
“The social committee posted on their Facebook page for donations to feed the fire brigade and evacuees on the Monday at 4pm and by Tuesday morning had already collected over $700 from their neighbours.
“They then went on to buy enough food to make over 100 sandwiches and packs of sweets to take to the evacuation centre, Rural Fire Service (RFS) and State Emergency Service (SES).”
After their initial visit the residents continued to take fresh food to the evacuation centre throughout the week and were able to raise $4,000 for the Rural Fire Service in a silent auction.
The cause was particularly close to the heart of Ingenia Lifestyle Lake Conjola resident Dorothy Feltham whose husband is a member of the local SES.
“Helping to support those impacted by the fires is important to our community, with some of our residents a part of the SES and Lake Conjola RFS – including my husband Rod who volunteers for the SES,” Mrs Feltham said.
“Everyone has rolled up their sleeves and done their part to help – whether that be by making a cash donation, making sandwiches or helping to deliver the goods to those in need.
“One of the ladies in our community, Joy Parker, was the driving force in organising the donations and managed the delivery of the sandwiches to the evacuation centre.
“It has been heart-warming to see everyone get involved and support the wider Lake Conjola community.”
Ingenia Lifestyle The Grange
Ingenia Lifestyle The Grange residents kick-started an initiative to gather donations of clothes, knitted garments, sheets, blankets, and women’s health products to those impacted by the fires.
The impressive relief mission has seen a number of local Morisset and Southlakes businesses join in helping out with food donations, free vehicle hire, and fuel which will see a truckload of items delivered to bushfire victims in Taree this week.
Well done to our helpers and the local businesses for springing to action to help out the bushfire victims. We’re honoured to have such generous, compassionate residents living with us. Read the full article here in The Lakes Mail.