Taking advantage of busy holiday traffic, Bulahdelah Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers participated in a shake-a-bucket fundraising campaign during the weekend.

RFS Deputy Captain Mr Rod Paar said locals and visitors to the area were generous with their donations. “Almost every person who has come through has donated to us, with some very generous people,” Mr Paar said. “We will be using the donated funds to purchase additional equipment for the RFS to help better protect the community.”

Mr Paar, with over 30 years volunteering experience with the RFS, said the service has been a vital part of the community for many years.

“The RFS has protected the community from countless bushfires and assisted with motor accidents and other emergencies around the area,” Mr Parr told News of the Area.

“There is good comradery amongst our 15 active members and the skills we learn through the work are very useful and can be applied to other jobs.”

Junior Member Meagan Terry said she became involved with the RFS because she wanted to give something back to the community.

“I joined because I wanted to help out and it’s been a very rewarding experience,” Meagan said. “The service is like a second family, we go to a callout and then have a good chat together afterwards.” The Bulahdelah Rural Fire Service meets on Monday nights at 7pm at the RFS Station in Harold Street with new volunteers always welcome. The Bulahdelah RFS thanks everyone who donated to the appeal, and also the BP and Shell service stations for allowing them to carry out their fundraising on site.