The Round Hill Hotel Morven have held a fundraiser for firefighter volunteers and the family of Samuel McPaul, who died fighting the Green Valley bushfire at Jingellic on December 30.
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Close to 300 people attended the fundraiser on January 31 in the 40 plus degree heat, raising more than $32,000 through an auction of donated items ranging from two week holidays and wine bottles to 200 steel fence posts and hay bales.
Donations also came in from all over the country, including from Western Australia and South Australia.
The Round Hill Hotel pub owner, Jo Kollard said the idea for the fundraiser just came from chatting to local firemen at the pub.
"I thought I should put on a do for all the firefighters as soon as it settles down a bit," Ms Kollard said.
"Even in our local area there were so many affected, whether it was emotionally or physically.
"I was just going to throw them a big feed so they could get together but it blew out to nearly 300 people."
She said she soon realised she would have to call in some help, quickly getting Paull and Scollard Landmark agent Sam Mculloch involved.
Mr Mculloch said he wasn't surprised by the outpouring of support for the event.
"The district was hit very hard when we lost Sam and several other firefighters suffered serious burns to their body," Mr Mculloch said.
"We wanted to show our appreciation for everyone impacted and to all those who had shown great courage and commitment during such a difficult time."
Mr Mculloch said one of the highlights of the night was a carving of a firefighter which was donated by a South Australian craftsman and sold to a local group for $5100.
The group later in the evening donated the carving to Samuel's mother, Cris McPaul.
For details on how to donate to the fundraiser contact The Round Hill Hotel Morven on 0421034730, Sam Mculloch on 0428578489 or Nigel Scheetz on 0429609399.
