Grey nomads are biggest BlazeAid volunteers

Kingsthorpedavid · Senior Member

Grey nomads are biggest BlazeAid volunteers

Dunmowin · Guru

My GN brother and his wife volunteered in Tassy. He was fencing, she was preparing lunches etc. They said it was a great experience as part of their GN life.

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Basically there aren't many in the community who can devote big chunks of time and effort to volunteering like that except retirees. Its a privilege.

brickies · Guru

How many of our forum member are Blaze Aid Volunteers and what is required of you

Captain · Veteran Member

My wife and I are BlazeAid volunteers and so far we have done 3 camps, including cyclone damage, flood damage and bushfire damage. It's a very rewarding experience and we've made many new friendships. If you want to know more, check out their website at www.blazeaid.com.au

The founder of BlazeAid, Kevin Butler (and his wife Rhonda) has recently issued his 2013 President's Report which makes very interesting reading.

2013 stats are: 14 base camps over four states; 3,506 volunteers put in 29,696 volunteer person working days; 810 farming and rural properties were helped; 1,349 km fencing was cleared and 1,460 km of fencing was completely re-built.

Since 2009 when BlazeAid was formed, up to $20 million worth of natural disaster recovery assistance for rural people has been completed by the volunteers.

There's no active camps at the moment but when they do open, give it a go, you'll love it.

beiffe · Guru

Been involved with Blazeaid since 2009 after the Victorian Fires.

There are many jobs that are covered in Blazeaid.

If you are breathing then there is a job for you.

Fencing rural properties are the main ideal but the motto of blazeaid is

"Australians helping other Australians in times of Disasters"

You can be involved in the office work at the base, be a gopher getting supplies and food, maintain tools, cook food, talk to the farmers to lift their spirits and then there is the work on the farms such as fencing, clearing trees to enable them to bear fruit and many other little jobs to help the farmers on the road to recovery.

If you decide to stop and lend a hand I can assure you you will extend your stay and have the most rewqarding time of your life. The work can be hard but that is up to you as you are asked to do only what you are comfortable and within your skills but there is nothing like learning something new and the satisfaction you receive will soon make to sore muscles fade away.

The day routine starts with a cooked breakfast and then the morning safety talk (sermon LOL) and then you head off to a farm for the days work. You are normally given a mid day meal prepared by the farmer if it is possible and then return to the camp for the nightly meal and a socal get together before an early night.

The local charities in the area are paid to feed the volunteers for the night meal and this puts finance back into the local community.

You will be offered camping at the local base free of charge and you will be fed whilst there so it is a good way to have a great time and save a few bob at the same time.

As others have said visit http://blazeaid.com.au/ for further information and keep a check on the site for bases as they open up.

Regards

Brian