Fundraising fun run

Fun run forged in friendship PHOTOS: COURTESY OF ‘RUN FOR THE FIRIES’

An annual community fun run established after the 2009 Victorian bushfires raises vital funds for Research and Kangaroo Ground fire brigades. Celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2019, ‘Run For The Firies’ has become an institution in Eltham and Diamond Creek, with thousands turning out each year to take on its winding parkland trails. Money raised from the event helps pay for equipment, building works and vehicles for both brigades. The event also helps increase awareness of fire safety and prevention and volunteering with CFA. Run For The Firies started when members from both brigades were part of the same strike team in Kinglake in 2009. “Immediately after Black Saturday we realised that Kinglake West brigade was under tremendous pressure with many members turning out to calls despite having been severely impacted by the fires themselves,” Kangaroo Ground Captain Glenn Law said. “Our brigades decided to help out. We initially each provided a truck with crews on 12-hour shifts. Then we reduced that to one truck with a joint crew on 12-hour shifts. This continued for several weeks. “During these shifts we decided we should do a joint fundraiser, and Run for the Firies was born out of this.” The event attracts people of all ages, from keen runners and casual joggers, to those just wanting to give it a go. Participation in the first couple of years was mainly from locals who wanted to donate, however as the event grew it attracted more interest from serious runners. The event has also expanded in recent years to allow for other community organisations to get involved. “We had an amazing turnout at this year’s event with more than 1,200 people of all ages joining us, up from 750 in 2018,” Research Brigade Third Lieutenant Steve Hewett said. “This year we encouraged registrations from ‘virtual runners’ which allowed people from other states and even overseas to register for the event and complete the run in their area of the world. “We also had an increase in the number of brigades and emergency services workers participating; we even had employees from ESTA in Ballarat support the event.”

Every participant who finished the course received a special 10-year anniversary medal that recognised the 2009 bushfires. Both Glenn and Steve agreed that the day was a perfect way for emergency services and the community to join forces for a common goal. “The day has a great vibe. Many of the runners say thank you for the work that we do, and it’s a great way to work with the community,” Glenn said. “There are some amazing stories from participants about why they chose to enter – be it personal challenge, a special circumstance or because our local firefighters have impacted their life somehow.” Run For The Firies 2020 will be held on Sunday 18 October. For more information go to runforthefiries.com or facebook.com/ RunForTheFiries.