Taking the Plunge in the Loddon Mallee

Taking the Plunge in the Loddon Mallee

Published: 27/02/2014

Victoria State Emergency Service (SES) Regional Manager John Parker is "Taking the Plunge" in Loddon Mallee's waterways on Wednesday 5 March.

John has been training for several months in preparation for a marathon 17 kilometre swim, broken up across the region’s major lakes, rivers and reservoirs, to raise funds for the Victorian Emergency Service Association (VESA) Welfare Fund. This fund provides crucial support and assistance for SES Volunteers or their families during times of hardship.

The Taking the Plunge event will start at first light on Wednesday 5 March commencing at Lake Eppalock near Bendigo and continuing at Cairn Curran Reservoir, Bridgewater on the Loddon River, Little Lake Boort, Lake Charm, Kangaroo Lake, Lake Boga and concluding at Swan Hill in the Murray River with a community barbecue at the Canoe Steps at the Riverside Park.

"There have been several incidents recently where one of our volunteers or their families has faced difficult circumstances, and VESA has provided invaluable support and assistance,” said Mr Parker.

"Witnessing the positive impact this fund has under these circumstances has motivated me to conduct this event,” he said.

SES encourages all businesses and workplaces across the Loddon Mallee region to get behind the VESA fundraising event, either through donations or to host an orange themed morning or afternoon tea on the day.

Regular updates on the event will be posted on the SES Facebook page and photo album as each stage is completed.

Donations can be made to the VESA Welfare Fund at any Bendigo Bank. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Any donation, big or small, will be gratefully accepted and allow the work VESA undertakes with volunteers and their families to continue.

For more information please northwest@ses.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5444 8444.

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