THE Huntly Hotel is hoping to raise $12,000 for new equipment for the growing community's fire brigade.
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Two sets of breathing apparatuses are on the Huntly Fire Brigade's wish list, to go on its community-owned truck.
The brigade has been fundraising to kit out the community-owned truck to the same extent as the truck supplied by the Country Fire Authority.
But a number of items remain on its wish list.
Huntly firefighter Patty O'Donoghue said having a second truck equipped with breathing apparatuses would increase the brigade's effectiveness.
Only the brigade's CFA-owned truck is equipped with breathing apparatuses, at the moment.
Buying two sets breathing apparatuses is expected to cost the brigade about $12,000.
"It's very difficult for brigades to fundraise, especially during the fire season," Mrs O'Donoghue said.
"We're very grateful to the Huntly Hotel for taking it on."
The hotel's owners were inspired by some of the fundraising efforts intended to assist with the country's bushfire crisis.
Huntly Hotel co-owner Peter Cook said he and Mick Cook had wanted to raise support for the local brigade.
The brigade consists of more than 50 volunteer members, 28 of which are firefighters. It has a junior brigade, competition members, and volunteers who support the brigade in a wide range of activities.
It services a community expected to experience a 225 per cent growth in population by 2036 - the most of any Bendigo suburb.
Huntly Fire Brigade sent units to East Gippsland and interstate to help fight the devastating bushfires.
Volunteers were on the front line, protecting the Huntly community, when a fire started at the Bendigo Creek Reserve near Millwood Road on January 4.
"Given the tough fire season, there has never been a more timely moment to encourage us to pull together as a community to support our local volunteer fire brigade," Huntly Hotel manager Baden Higgins said.
The fundraiser starts at 12pm on March 15. An auction, which starts at 2pm, is expected to be the highlight.
Auction items have already started rolling in, starting with a Beko seven kilogram washing machine donated by Reilly's Designer Appliances.
The Huntly Hotel has been encouraging further donations for the auction.
"The response from the local businesses has been very supportive so far," Mrs O'Donoghue said.
"We are looking forward to March 15."
For more information about the event or to donate, contact Mr Higgins at the Huntly Hotel on 5448 7219.
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