Fired up for fundraising

By Leon Gray-Lockhart
RAISING the funds for a water tanker has become the focus of a new project being jointly run by Community Action Group Eltham (CAGE), Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade and Eltham Lions Club.
"In September 2008, I'd read in a magazine about the fundraising that Ngatea and Tahuna Lions had undertaken to get money for a new rescue vehicle in their area," said Geoff Harris, a key figure in the new project, "and I thought Eltham should try and do something like that."
After further research and discussions with Kevin Barry of the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade, Geoff found out that one of Eltham's greatest needs was a water tanker that could be used to supply on-site water for fire fighting.
"If we're in town, we can use fire hydrants for water," said Kevin, "but in the country, our current equipment carries only enough water for about six minutes of fire-fighting and it takes around 20 minutes for water tankers to arrive from Stratford and Hawera."
"With our own water tanker, we'd have half-an-hour of water. This could be the difference between saving a burning building or seeing it destroyed by fire."
Geoff approached the Eltham Lions Club with his idea, and the club was fully supportive of it.
"Raising money for a water tanker is a great community project," said John Taylor of Eltham Lions, "It ties in with everything that we do."
"The tanker benefits the entire community too. In regular use, the water tanker will provide fire-fighters with the water they need for rural and farmlet fires, but as it is a 'food' grade tanker, it can also supply drinking water should the town water supply be threatened, through drought or civil disaster."
"Out the back of Eltham township, there are a lot more farmlets and lifestyle blocks nowadays. You have more potential for fires, without the hydrant facilities that you have nearer the centre of town," said Kevin, "the tanker will be a great tool to have."
The tanker is also going to be made available to the as back up Kaponga Volunteer Fire Brigade, who face the same water supply issues in rural fire-fighting.
"The equipment will be owned by the community for use by the community through CAGE's charitable trust," said Geoff, "It will be housed by the Eltham Volunteer Fire Brigade and regular maintenance will be funded through the Tanker Fund."
In order to purchase the tanker, the CAGE Fire Tanker Fund needs not only the initial cost of the tanker itself, but money to build a storage shed for it and yearly running costs.
"The tanker is approximately $45,000, the storage building about $21,000 and its yearly running cost around $12,000," said Geoff, "so we have a long way to go."
To cover the costs, the project organisers plan to seek funding from a variety of sources, including local businesses.
"We'd be more than happy for local business sponsors to have their logos on the tank of the vehicle, as a means of public recognition of their support," said Geoff.
Eltham and Kaponga Lions are also planning to raise money for the tanker through fundraising activities. CAGE Tanker Fund is selling dry firewood and this may be ordered through Geoff on 764 8082, or Glenn on 027 222 1515
"It's not just buildings, tractor and truck fires cause enormous damage and can cost hundreds of thousands dollars in lost equipment and lost time on the farm," said John.
"We wouldn't be the first fire brigade to run out of water while fighting a fire, but it's a terrible feeling knowing when your water is running low," said Kevin.
If businesses, associations, clubs or individuals are interested in sponsoring the water tanker, they can contact Geoff on 764 8082.
"A water tanker buys time and, in some cases, can be the difference between life and death," said John.