18/08/2024
The amazing team at the Bistro are taking part in the row-a-thon to support the Picton Voluntary Fire Brigade’s fundraiser hosted by Central Fitness Gym and Le Cafe.
We are rowing as a tag team from 7.15-7.45pm after a hard days work.
If you think our effort should be rewarded, please donate by following the link at the bottom of this post. Thank you.
Please support our efforts by donating
We are teaming up to raise money for the Picton Volunteer Fire Brigade.
➡️ Who is teaming up? The community of course. You do not have to be a gym member or even a good rower. You just have to be willing to give it a go.
➡️ When? Together we are going to keep the rowing machine in action from 5 am - 8 pm on Saturday the 24th of August
➡️ How? You assign yourself a 15 minute slot, you turn up and row for that 15 minutes on the day. You do not have to go fast, and if you need a break, the team is here to relieve you.
Find a sponsor (or multiple), such as a parent, friend or employer to sponsor your rowing contribution.
➡️ Why the Volunteer Fire Crew? Well...
The volunteer fire brigade are such a value add to the Picton Community.
They respond to 110-120 calls per year. I asked the crew, in jest, if their most common call out was cats in trees. Although, they recently rescued a driver and his two dogs, they are actually called out for a variety of reasons. Medical calls have increased tenfold with nearly 40% of their calls being medical lift assist, CPR , or Landing zones, security for helicopters. The rest are false alarms, vegetation fire, house fires, crashes and chemical spills.
The Volunteer Fire Crew need to be ready for all sorts, especially considering they have the biggest risk profile for the top of the South Island. To give you an idea, here are a few of the potential risks:
🛥️ Ferries
🚢 Cruise Ships
🚤 Boating & Fishing
🚙 State Highway Traffic
🪵 Logging truck movement (100+ per day)
💀 Dangerous goods in/out of area
💰 Tourism
⛵ 2nd largest marina in NZ
👴🏼 Aging population
✈️ Koromiko Airport
🌲 Forestry
Established in 1872, Picton is one of the oldest fire crew in NZ. They can have up to 30 crew, however, last year, they dropped to 12 staf