Fireys overwhelming support

Cardinia Lake Coles grocery manager Sam Threadgold and Coles regional manager David Czislowski were behind the scenes supporting firefighters through the Bunyip bushfires.

By Jessica Anstice

Pakenham Coles displayed its generosity with food donations for fireys as bushfires ripped through the Bunyip State Park.

The four Pakenham Coles stores delivered plenty of water and general necessities to the Nar Nar Goon staging area on Saturday morning, 2 March.

As the fire grew bigger and more emergency service crews gathered at the staging area, Coles decided all donations would be distributed from the Cardinia Lakes store.

The supermarket worked tirelessly with charity organisation Rapid Relief Team to supply the emergency service crews with necessary goods.

Grocery manager Sam Threadgold said he liaised directly with Rapid Relief Team and the CFA catering company.

“We had team members that couldn’t make it to work because of the fires,” Mr Threadgold said.

“It just comes down to that whole community spirit. It’s affecting us closest to the fires and it obviously hits home with the team.

“We basically gave assistance wherever we could, even if it meant just ordering stock in.”

Coles regional manager David Czislowski said the company received a positive response from firefighters.

“Once the fires really started there were over 1000 firefighters they were trying to feed and get supplies to.

“We were just trying to help out and support the local community.”