Volunteer Fire Brigade ready for big climb

Though unpaid volunteers themselves, the Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade continues to take 'extra steps' to fundraise for others.

The proceeds from the annual Sky Tower Stair Climb Challenge go to the charity Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, and the Te Awamutu Brigade has had teams in the competition since 2005.

Over the years a number of team, category and individual titles have come Te Awamutu's way.

This year a team of 11 from here will compete at the Auckland event next month.

The team, with the support of the brigade, have adopted the charity with the aim of raising as much as possible before the event.

The current fundraising stage kicked off on Sunday with members running the streets door-to-door seeking donations - combining training and fundraising.

Though only a small part of Te Awamutu was covered, due partly to responding to emergency calls, over $2000 was raised.

The members are planning on completing one more collection run on Saturday, April 27 prior to presenting the total figure raised to Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.

The brigade would like to thank all those who made donations, and those who have supported the on-going fundraising effort.

FIRE BAN

The Te Awamutu Volunteer Fire Brigade wish to highlight to Waipa and Otorohanga District residents that the restricted rural fire season was extended some time ago and now runs to the end of April.

The amount of rain in recent weeks has done little to lower the fire risk in most areas, as indicated by the calls the brigade has attended recently.

The brigade also reminds residents that enquiries regarding permits and related enquires, and issues with smoke nuisance, should be made to the relevant District Council.

If a fire is out of control, or endangering property or lives, the fire service should be contacted on 111.