Stow-away for build solution- Derek Thurgood is helping deliver ‘adopted’ containers to resid

By Kath Gannaway
TAKING delivery of a beautiful, bouncing, 20-foot shipping container would solve one of the big problems facing families as they start to rebuild after the February fires.
According to Peter Montgomery and Derek Thurgood from the Yarra Glen Community Fire Relief, adoption is the way to go and, they’re looking for surrogate adoptive parents.
“Everyone knows how devastating the fires were, but it’s not over for all the survivors as they struggle to rebuild,” Mr Montgomery said last week as their “Adopt a Container” program gained momentum.
A $10,000 donation through the Salvation Army and VBBRA, which will fund 14 containers, and a donation from the Rotary Club of Healesville for four more, has provided a positive start to the program.
Mr Montgomery said the need was critical.
“Just imagine standing on a vacant block with your tools to commence your rebuilding and then consider what you will do with all these items every time you go there to work,” he says.
Their solution is to provide a shipping container for a year.
Mr Thurgood said the container will be delivered to the site and after the 12 months is up the property-owner can continue to rent, purchase it or return it.
Calling on people to support the program, Mr Thurgood said an on-site container would provide security and independence.
“The survivors have waited over six months already and they’ve told us they really need this essential security so they can begin to feel in control again,” he said.
Individuals, workplaces and organisations are being invited to subscribe for a monthly amount of $57, or to make a one-off donation of $684 – fully tax deductable.
Donations can be made to Commonwealth Bank account Eastern Access Community Health – Yarra Glen Community Fire Relief. BSB: 06 3853. Account Number 10201844 using the code ‘AAC’ with your donations.
Cash donations can be made at the relief centre in Yarra Glen or mailed to Yarra Glen Community Fire Relief, P.O. Box 234, Yarra Glen. 3775.