Got the message

By Melissa Meehan
Yarra Glen has always been a close-knit town, but a couple of text messages to friends and family have shown the true strength of the small rural community.
Local business owner Shannon Bergamin wanted to help those affected by Black Saturday, so got together with her staff and brainstormed.
Ms Bergamin said many of her Curves clients were left with only the clothes on their backs.
“Many know people who have been lost, others injured and a lot are now without homes,” she said.
“We got together on Sunday night to work out what we could do, and decided a clothes drive would help people in our area and Kinglake.
“So we each sent out a text message to our family and friends and it has grown to this.”
Visitors to the old IGA building in the centre of town now come to donate clothing; others wade through the hundreds of jumpers and pants to keep them and their families warm.
The old IGA has become a glimpse of hope in the otherwise dark outlook.
So far, townships surrounding Yarra Glen are nursing the wounds of losing loved ones, as well as some dealing with the loss of their homes and possessions.
There is a sense that they are the lucky ones.
Ms Bergamin said she had received overwhelming support and had already sent two truckloads of clothes and toys to Kinglake.
“We just really want to help,” Ms Bergamin said.