Firefighters from the MFB and the CFA are today taking their teamwork from the fireground to the treadmill in a friendly competition to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
From 7am, a team from each brigade will run on treadmills to see how much ground they can cover in 14 hours at Melbourne’s iconic Bourke Street Mall.
Ten years ago, MFB and CFA united to hold the first treadmill challenge to support the Royal Children’s Hospital in providing world-class care for children. In that time, the organisations have collectively raised more than $941,000 and hope to bring the tally to one million dollars this year.
To help kick start the event, MFB Chief Officer Dan Stephens and CFA Acting Chief Officer Gavin Freeman will be the first to go head to head on the treadmills.
Mr Stephens said that firefighters are always ready to help for a good cause and today’s event is a great opportunity for both MFB and CFA to support the community they protect every day.
“The fire and rescue services have a long and proud tradition of supporting the young patients of the Royal Children’s Hospital through a number of events each year,” he said.
“Most of us have our own families and young people in our lives so we really feel for the children and their families, particularly those who are suffering with illness over Easter.
“This event is our way of giving back and supporting the community that supports us.”
CFA Acting Chief Officer Gavin Freeman said that this event showcases the heart of what firefighting is all about.
“Our commitment to the community extends beyond our response to emergency incidents,” he said.
“We hope that through some friendly rivalry, our fireys can raise awareness and much- needed funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital to continue the vital work they do.”
MFB and CFA firefighters and staff will be out in force across the state today and tomorrow, collecting donations for this very good cause. All funds raised go directly towards research and equipment at the Royal Children’s Hospital.
