Huge appeal from Officer CFA

Officer fire fighters pause for a selfie while raising funds for the Good Friday Appeal.

By Shelby Brooks

Officer fire fighters have raised a record $13,000 for the annual Good Friday Appeal after a mammoth tin shaking effort.

Brigade members, alongside helpers from Upper Beaconsfield and Beaconsfield CFA, were out and about tin shaking at the inbound and outbound Officer service stations on the Monash Freeway on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 April.

Officer CFA captain Rob McCandless said most people who were stopped for petrol and food at the service station gave notes instead of coins.

“It was a great result,” Rob said.

“It was a massive day for everyone in the brigade, and the supporting brigades, all for the bigger cause for the kids.”

Rob said he was proud of volunteers who spent their public holiday raising money for a great cause.

“It’s hard to put into words. It’s mind-blowing how humble people are and how generous they are with their time.

“Our members contribute enormously all through the year.”

A crew of five members and one of the tankers made it to the convention centre during the day of the appeal.

A total of $13,608.60 was raised for the Royal Children’s Hospital by the Officer CFA.