The Humans of Kangaroo Island project since November 2020 has told the stories of local farm firefighters who experienced incredible hardship and challenges in the Black Summer fires.
Alongside those stories, a fundraiser was run with the aim to re-equip 100 local farm firefighters with personal protective equipment (PPE) clothing and safety equipment before the next summer.
After successful auctions, donations from individuals, organisations and local and mainland businesses, 150 kits were handed out by Sabrina Davis and her team at the farm fire unit induction day at Parndana in early December 2020.
Since then, the money raised has helped Sabrina supply dozens of UHF radios to those firefighters who lost theirs in the fires, and purchase six quickfill pumps.
These pumps have now been strategically placed with caretakers around the island, ready to assist firefighting on the Island for summers to come.
To find a quick fill pump nearest to you, check out the map on www.humansofkangarooisland.com
Humans of Kangaroo Island is still receiving funds from multiple generous donors and has been able to financially support the Lang family in purchasing a plaque for the Playford Highway memorial commemorating Dick and Clayton Lang's ultimate sacrifice during the 2019/20 fires.
"A total of $62,310 had been raised as per today and will continue to be used to support islander's firefighting efforts and to prepare our local heroes for future fires," Sabrina said.
Thanks to the ongoing support and a large donation from The Hospital Research Foundation, 75 more PPE kits and safety equipment have been purchased and now been packed by the volunteer team ready to be handed out to local farm firefighters.
CEO of The Hospital Research Foundation Group, Paul Flynn praised the project's important work.
"The Hospital Research Foundation Group is proud to support Sabrina Davis' Humans of Kangaroo Island project with a $20,000 donation for the frontline farm firefighting units of Kangaroo Island ahead of the 2020/21 fire season," Mr Flynn said.
"Together we are fighting for a safer fire season for all on Kangaroo Island."
If you are a Kangaroo Island farm firefighter with your own unit who requires a PPE kit, please contact Sabrina Davis directly on stories@humansofkangarooisland.com or 0439 670 494.
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
