- Published:
- Monday 23 March 2015
Victoria’s fire services have been given a boost in numbers with the arrival of 4,000 special edition firefighting teddy bears.
The special bears are on sale to support Victoria’s emergency service workers, particularly the families of those injured or killed while performing their duties.
The charity teddy wears a firefighters uniform similar to what was worn by Victorian firefighters in the 1890’s and displays a number 83, a reference to the devastating Ash Wednesday fires.
Profits from the sale of the bears will go to the Emergency Services Foundation.
The Foundation was established in the wake of the Ash Wednesday fires, which claimed the lives of 47 people and destroyed more than 200,000 hectares of land.
It supports those affected when an emergency service worker is killed or injured in the line of duty and invests in the training of emergency service personnel and volunteers.
This year marks 25 years since the Foundation was formed. Information on buying a commemorative bear is available at www.esf.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett
“Our emergency service workers do an incredible job in challenging circumstances.”
“The proceeds from the sale of these little firefighters will go to an excellent cause.”
“Everyone should support the work our emergency service volunteers and career professionals do by buying one of these firefighter bears.”
“Congratulations to the Emergency Services Foundation on 25 years of hard work supporting our emergency service workers, volunteers and their families.”