Healesville CFA volunteers Robyn Argent and Bill Poppins, centre, were thrilled to accept proceeds from the Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise from, from left, Marc and Jodie Bull, Troy and Stacey Kinsmor and Wendy Bennett.
TROY and Stacey Kinsmor put the finishing touch to a successful and moving Black Saturday Remembrance Cruise with the handing over of a cheque for $9750 to Healesville CFA in February.
The couple, who run Slammed Creations in Lilydale, tapped into their business connections and into the broader community to organise the cruise which saw more than 400 cars and about 100 motor bikes take part in a drive through the region’s fire-affected communities on 7 February.
Stacey organised the event in memory of her friend Kate Ansett and her fiancé Steve Fisher who perished in Toolangi, and others who died and whose lives were affected on Black Saturday.
Ms Kinsmore said while the fund-raising was not the main focus of the cruise, it was wonderful to be able to hand over such a significant amount to the fire brigade.
“When first started we thought if we got $5000 we would be really happy but the support was overwhelming,” she said.
Healesville CFA volunteer Bill Poppins said the money would go towards replacement later in the year of one of the three brigade-owned vehicles.
“We very much appreciate the efforts of Stacey, Troy and Wendy and their crew,” Mr Poppins said.
“It was fantastic what they achieved and if they are planning a repeat next year we certainly look forward to it.”
