Community chips in for those affected by bushfires

Community spirit will be on full display this weekend as events are held simultaneously around Geraldton in solidarity with those affected by the fires raging across Australia.

At least four events have been organised by members of the community to support those in need.

Over the weekend the Wonthella Bowling Club is fundraising for the Australian Red Cross as it hosts competitors from across the Mid West for a men’s inter-league round robin.

Simultaneous bowling competitions held across WA will compete to see who can raise the most money.

Fitzgerald Street Studio will host a busy bee on Saturday and Sunday from 9am at which volunteers will hand stitch pouches, blankets and beds.

This event was set up after an urgent call was put out by the Animal Rescue Collective Craft Guild in need of materials to help wildlife affected by the fires.

Saturday at 8.30am there will be a workout open to the public at the CrossFit Geraldton gym, with participants donating to the Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service.

From 2pm on Saturday the Wintersun Hotel will host a fundraiser for fires, raising money for Australian Red Cross to help those affected by fires across the country.

With more than 20 acts playing on the day, food vendors and a range of activities for children before 5.30pm there will be no shortage of entertainment. Organiser Lane Place said the community response to his event was extremely humbling and more than he expected.

“I’ve got the sound equipment and technical know-how; what we needed was a venue, acts and support volunteers,” Mr Place said.

“Within 24 hours we had it all.”

He said the story of the fires struck a chord with him and he felt he had to do something to help out.

“It’s come together so quickly, now all we need is people to turn up and dig deep,” he said.