Echuca-Moama answers the siren call

A total $27,737 was raised by Echuca and Bamawm fire brigade volunteers who walked the streets and manned the traffic lights.

Their NSW counterparts at the Moama Rural Fire Service and fire and rescue raised $13,755 doing the same.

This outstanding figure secured Echuca-Moama’s position as number six on the Good Friday Appeal’s regional tally board.

Echuca Fire Brigade captain Daniel Hoylan called the day “a real success.”

“It’s just one of those times when the community bands together,” he said.

“From our brigade, it’s very much a highlight on the calendar to be able to help the community and the hospital.”

He said all brigades deployed their trucks, with more than 50 dedicated volunteers sacrificing their public holiday to support the cause.

By mid-morning on Friday, Echuca-Moama reached a historic milestone – surpassing $3 million raised for the appeal across its impressive 46-year involvement in the fundraiser.

Mr Hoylan said there were many in the history of the brigades to thank for reaching the milestone.

“That was an enormous effort by our current locals, but also locals that have moved on over the years or are no longer with us. It’s one big community event and a great achievement,” he said.

He thanked everyone who came out and contributed to making the Good Friday Appeal a success once again.

“In the times that we’re in, its good to see that people still dig deep,” Mr Hoylan said.

“Whether it was a small or large donation, it was taken with so much gratitude, and it filled the hearts of a lot of our volunteers.”