Brigade fired up over funds!

MONEY BOOST: Annie Kitchener presents a healthy cheque to Mangawhai Fire Chief Maurie Doughty flanked on left by Hemi Meagher & Tony Mulqueen.

A tired but satisfied Annie Kitchener went to the bank to sort out what the final takings were for the Fire Up Mangawhai fundraiser – her one-woman crusade to raise money for the local volunteer fire brigade.

“I always had a target of four thousand dollars in the back of my mind but thought that the Dog Trail Walk and Fireman's Run didn’t attract as many as I had hoped but, wow, Fire Up Mangawhai has certainly fired up as I am now able to give the Mangawhai Fire Brigade new vehicle fund $4,114.30 – and that’s after expenses!” she crowed with obvious elation. 

It’s a great result for a six month labour of love with Annie designing, printing and distributing brochures, selling raffle tickets and all the other associated organizing.

“As well as the many fantastic product donations received I must say a special thank you to two special friends – Jan and Linda – who took all the catering preparation and presentation off my hands at the Quiz Night.”

Though brigade fundraising is an ongoing activity through their scrap metal drive, Mangawhai fire chief Maurie Doughty was thrilled to receive the cheque from Annie for an amount which may have otherwise taken years to raise. 

Winners of the Fire Up Mangawhai major His & Hers raffle which raised $1560 were David Stewart ($500 plus $300 gift voucher from JD’s Jewellery Design, Whangarei); Paul Freeman ($200 gift voucher Placemakers, Mangawhai, and ceramic pot from Morris & James Pottery, Matakana, and a plant voucher from Naja Garden Centre, Mangawhai); and another local John ($40 Stingray Matt’s voucher plus two Matakana Cinemas tickets.)