Firefighters to ride '400 in 4' for Children's Hospital
Published: 22nd March 2010
NSW Emergency Services Minister Steve Whan today wished a team of 24 firefighters well as they set out on an epic journey from Sydney to Wagga Wagga to raise money for the Burns Unit at the Children's Hospital at Westmead.The NSW Fire Brigades (NSWFB) firefighters will cycle 400 kilometres in just four days, stopping at schools in Goulburn, Yass and Gundagai to promote fire safety messages to children.
"This is the fifth consecutive '400 in 4' ride. In previous years the firefighters have raised a total of more than $90 000 to fund an Anaesthetic Fellow for the Burns Unit who provides pain relief to young burns patients every day," Mr Whan said.
"This year their target is to raise more than $50,000 for the Burns Unit at the Hospital. Public support is critical for the ride's success, so I would encourage everyone on the route to cheer them on, attend one of their fire safety demonstrations and make a donation to this worthwhile cause."
NSWFB Commissioner Greg Mullins said the ride demonstrates the level of commitment by firefighters to helping the public.
"Firefighters dedicate their lives to protecting the public by preventing and extinguishing fires and responding to a range of emergencies. Raising money to help the victims of fires also shows the level of commitment these firefighters have to the community.
"What started five years ago with four firefighters raising $7000 has mushroomed into an annual event. Every year, the NSWFB raises thousands of dollars to support the good work that Burns Unit does with injured children so I hope the public will support the riders and help them reach their $50,000 target," he said.
Information on how the public can make a donation is available at www.400in4.org.
400 In 4 Milestones
Tuesday 23 MarchCampbelltown Fire Station, 70 Broughton Street Campbelltown
Ride starts 7.00am
Wednesday 24 March
Goulburn West Public School
Fire safety demonstration - 9am
Wednesday 24 March
Yass Public School
Fire safety demonstration - 2.30pm
Thursday 25 March
Gundagai South Public School
Fire safety demonstration - 2:30pm
Friday 26 March
Wagga Wagga in front of Council Chambers
Ride ends - 12.30-1.00pm