Firefighters donate more than 18 tonnes of food to charity

Summary

NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons has praised the efforts of the NSW RFS members who again accepted and took on the challenge to ‘Stuff Your Chopper’ in a show of goodwill for Christmas.

“Following the direct challenge from NSW Police Aviation, it was great to see our members across the state really get behind this great cause,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“Last year NSW Police decided to take up the idea that originated overseas, to fill an aircraft with items for a nominated charity and this year they have again thrown the challenge to all NSW emergency services in the name of supporting those doing it tough at this time of year.

“Across NSW our members and their communities have not held back, digging deep and donating items of non perishable food to support Foodbank NSW & ACT.”

Formed in 1992, Foodbank is a non-profit organisation that supports charities, providing food and other items for those in need.

Commissioner Fitzsimmons has congratulated the effort of the NSW Police this year with their chopper being stuffed with goods weighing around 1,250 kilograms.

“NSW RFS members have done it again. We had so much donated that we had to go a little bigger than our chopper and fill a semi-trailer,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.

“There’s no denying cops are tops. However, in the spirit of the challenge, we feel our more than 18 tonne donation says it all about the support our members have for local communities.

“This follows last year’s donation of almost 13 tonnes of non-perishable food by NSW RFS volunteers and staff.

“A big thank you goes to all our members, local communities and business that have come on board to support a worthwhile organisation.

“From brigades banding together to fill boxes of food, to companies like Arnott’s and Coca-Cola Amatil supporting the cause as well.

“Well done to all the emergency services who took part in the challenge this year.

“The real winners in this initiative lead by NSW Police Force is Foodbank NSW & ACT and all those that will benefit from this generosity.”

Contact Name: State Duty Media Officer

Contact Phone: (02) 9898 1855