Babaji’s Kerala Kitchen in Warburton supported the Upper Yarra SES on Thursday 12 June with its Community Day fundraiser.
The restaurant’s Community Day event raised $350 for the Upper Yarra SES which will go towards paying off crucial new equipment and vehicles.
SES Upper Yarra unit controller Hannah Brunton said the event meant the world to the SES unit, as it demonstrated the community’s dedication to supporting those who volunteer their time to be there in times of disaster.
“It means a lot to us and it’s so nice to have their support. The owner Billy made a point of asking everyone our names and getting to know us while she was waiting on us at the same time. It was really nice having that personal touch from someone who’s going out of their way to help us, even when they obviously don’t have to,” Ms Brunton said.
“It’s a really kind thing to see that support from the community, especially when we’ve had so much community support recently after the trivia night as well. It’s just so great having the community rally around us while our funding is in question, so it’s really nice.”
The extra funds for the SES will help cover operational costs while chipping away at paying off a new vehicle kitted out for the opening of the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination project, which will see an increase in rescues.
Upper Yarra SES operational volunteer Leah Farvis said there’s always costs to be covered as equipment and resources always need to be replenished.
“We’ve just got a new vehicle for the mountain bike rescues that we’re expecting, that was set up specifically for that, so that needs to be fitted out with some equipment as well,” Ms Farvis said.
“But also coming into the storm and flood season, there’s always things that need to be replenished.”
Every month from February to November, Babaji’s holds a Community Day to raise money for community groups in the area.
So far this year, Babaji’s has donated over $1500 to small community groups, which include Upper Yarra Garden Club, Gladysdale Primary School, Body of Wellbeing and Wesburn and District Dog Obedience Club.
“We also try to work with groups where it’s a little bit harder for them to get funding,” Babaji’s co-owner Billy Crombie said.
Ms Brunton said the event also acted as a social opportunity to catch up while supporting a business that’s supporting the Upper Yarra SES itself.
“I think we ended up with 26 members that went along for dinner, which was really great. We made it into a bit of a social event before training, but it was really nice to be able to support Babaji’s while they were obviously supporting us,” she said.
