‘Good Cause Barbeque’ draws $3,000 for bushfire appeal

A ‘Good Cause Barbeque for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal’, co-ordinated by UOW’s Environment Unit, today (16 February) saw about $3,000 raised to aid the appeal.

In addition, UOW staff have donated $7,090 for the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal through UOW Cares Workplace Giving.

Staff and students were invited to join in the barbeque to help the cause. The Rural Fire Service also attended to provide education and fire safety information around the home and in bushfire prone areas.

Several areas at UOW provided volunteer staff including Buildings and Grounds, Engineering, Financial Services and Administration – including four Directors of Administrative Units helping out to butter bread and work the barbeques.

UOW Project Manager, Mr Lance Jeffery, said there was a great atmosphere with everyone happy to contribute to such a worthy cause -- it was great to volunteer and get involved.

With donations from several local companies, all proceeds from the event were able to go to the appeal. Illawarra Smallgoods donated 67kg of sausages, Baker’s Delight at Figtree, Dapto and Wollongong combined to contribute more than 100 loaves of bread and Woolworths Fairy Meadow chipped in with condiments and serviettes. UniCentre and Coca-Cola Amatil provided bottled water as well.

“The response from students and staff was overwhelming. During the two- hour event it was estimated more than 500 people attended. A last minute anonymous donation to support the event also allowed a raffle to be held to raise additional funds.

And a group of visiting Korean teachers donated $120 as part of the overall $3,000 total,” Mr Jeffery said.

Vice-Principal (Administration), Mr Chris Grange, said the University has always been very community minded.

“Following the tragedy in Victoria, staff all over the University have undertaken fundraising in their area, from gathering spare coins, to setting up donations through UOW Cares. This barbeque is another example of the UOW community spirit,” Mr Grange said.

The ITC appeal has so far raised $1,662 – excluding direct donations to the Red Cross.

Last reviewed: 19 February, 2009