Bushfire Disaster Appeal at Woodend Community Farmers' Market on 4th January 2020

Sustainability encompasses more than renewable energy projects, the reduction of waste, the security and ethical nature of our food sources, fossil fuel free transport, and even protection of the environment. All of these pursuits are very important and necessary but there is another aspect of sustainability that is often neglected and ignored, that of community. The vitality and strength of a community is, amongst other things, evinced by its generosity in supporting others who are enduring crises and disasters. Today, the people of Woodend showed just what kind of community we are by raising over $3,500 for the Bushfire Disaster Appeal at the Woodend Community Farmers’ Market run by the Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG). These funds will be used to help people afflicted by the horrific fires in the eastern part of the State, fires which are unprecedented in ferocity and extent, which must compel governments at all levels to act in line with the climate crisis that confronts us all.

A huge thank you to the market stallholders who gave their produce so generously for the raffle prizes, for visitors who bought the tickets and the individuals who donated money, for the Woodend CFA who worked closely with MRSG, and for Peter Lane (MRSG Vice-President) and Robert Bruhn (Farmers’ Market group leader) for organising the raffle. In addition to the funds raised through the raffle, MRSG Committee is donating $500 and Woodend Bee-Friendly Society $200 to the Appeal.

Even if you couldn’t make it to the Farmers’ Market today you can still donate online at https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal/

David Gormley-O’Brien (President, MRSG), Peter Lane (Vice-President, MRSG), and one of the lucky raffle winners, Lynn White.