Big hearts write giant cheque

FUNDS: Kim Polglase and Keith Sutherland hand over the cheque to Divisional Commander Major Graeme Rigley and Territorial Commander James Knaggs, watched by Glenn Cameron, Nikki Forster, Barry Reid and Len Hiscock.THE Bendigo community has handed over a cheque for more than $400,000 to the Salvation Army to help survivors of Black Saturday’s tragic fires.The net proceeds of the Fightback Fundraiser represent the largest amount ever raised at a community event in bendigo.Organising committee representatives were on hand yesterday to give the cheque to Commissioner James Knaggs of the Salvation Army. The funds were raised at the February 27 gala auction night at the Schweppes Centre.This followed an enormous outpouring of generosity and support from the local business sector and many leading sporting groups.Alan Meredith of the Salvation Army said $328,000 had been spent helping those affected by the fires at Bendigo and Redesdale.“Food and household goods have been provided in many cases to people who had fallen outside government guidelines,” Mr Meredith said.“Just recently funds have been allocated for winter clothing of $300 a person, and $200 has been allocated to each household for the loss of toys.”Fightback Fundraiser committee member Keith Sutherland said more than 320 items with a retail value of more than $400,000 were donated to the auction.“We were overwhelmed by the response from business and the general public of Bendigo,” Mr Sutherland said.The Black Saturday fires destroyed 61 homes and 122 sheds in Bendigo and 11 homes at Redesdale.