THE LION FOUNDATION CELEBRATES $500 MILLION MILESTONE WITH VOLUNTEER FIRE BRIGADE

The recipient organisation of the $500 millionth dollar was Shelly Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade, which received a $17,500 grant for the purchase and installation of an emergency generator to power the fire station in the event of a civil defence emergency.

Our Chief Executive Phil Holden says the $500 million milestone is incredibly satisfying.

"We are very proud of this achievement and the thousands of community groups we have assisted. We're also proud to support the Shelly Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade, which provides such an essential community service."

The Brigade is a member of the National Rural Fire Authority and United Fire Brigade Association, and also received a $22,000 Lion Foundation grant in 2005 for fire fighting equipment.

Shelly Beach Volunteer Fire Brigade Chief Fire Officer and Chairman Adam Knezovic says the equipment and new generator mean that the team is ready to serve its community regardless of the weather.

Celebrating a milestone - Phil Holden and Don Judkins from The Lion Foundation with Shelly Beach Voluntary Fire Force's Adam Knezovic, Steve White and Steve Carswell atop the generator purchased thanks to The Lion Foundation grant.

"Storms and high winds can often affect power. In an emergency, a civil defence situation or times of a natural disaster, we need to ensure we can help our community – whether it is maintaining our operational ability of providing an emergency service, establishing an emergency operations centre and/or staging point for those emergency services assisting the community or providing a warm, dry environment with basic essentials such as showers, cooking and toilet facilities for those in need.

"Thanks to the generosity of The Lion Foundation, we are now able to provide this service even if power is not available," says Mr Knezovic. "We are grateful for the support from The Lion Foundation and its local venues, and we're excited to celebrate this special milestone with them."

Nationally, The Lion Foundation's support of volunteer fire brigades has exceeded $250,000 over the past 18 months. We acknowledge these organisations, the volunteers and the important community service they provide.