Blaze Aid

 

Mission Statement:
Blaze Aid was established in February 2009 as a volunteer-based organization by local Kilmore East farmers Rhonda and Kevin Butler. We are working with survivors of the Black Saturday bushfires to help rebuild their fences. More volunteers are needed to assist in this important work. Many of our volunteers haven’t done any fencing before, but are willing to give it a go and learn on the job. Not all of the fencing involves heavy work – jobs like running wires through the holes in the posts, or holding things in place while sighting is done, etc – are less physical, but really important tasks. We`ve had people of all ages - from young kids to people in their late 70s - and with various abilities helping make a difference. The survivors we’re assisting are really grateful for the work, support and friendship of Blaze Aid’s volunteers.

Description:
Volunteers assemble at Kev`s wool shed at Kilmore East each morning around 7.45am, Monday to Sunday, to find out where they`ll be working that day. Directions on how to get here are on our website www.blazeaid.com If you`re coming for more than a day and you need accommodation, we can usually organize it for you (please bring your own sleeping bag, if you can). Please phone or email us a few days beforehand, (or earlier if it’s a large group) if you need somewhere to sleep. Alternatively, you can bring a caravan, campervan, etc to park on the farm. We have portable toilets and showers on site, and some power is available through generators. If your vehicle is over 3.2m in height, please contact us for alternative directions to the farm. The bridge over the railway line only has a clearance of 3.2m We can also provide breakfast, sandwiches and snacks for lunch, soup of an afternoon when you return and an evening meal. However, if you can bring lunch and drinks on the first day to take out with you, it would be a big help. There`s also tea and coffee available, and it`s a good idea to bring a thermos to take out with you each day. Volunteers aged 12-80 years are covered by VFF insurance. They go out in small groups each day, usually to the same property until the job is finished, although it varies from day to day. The weather can still be cold here, so you`ll need to bring plenty of warm gear, including a waterproof jacket, beanie, gloves, etc if you have them. If you have thermals, then they`ll be good, and it`s a good idea to have a few layers of clothes so that you

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