FIREFIGHTERS have again teamed up to do some shopping and help add a little extra joy for Ballarat families this Christmas.
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Crews from Ballarat City and Lucas Fire Rescue Victoria stations have bought about $1500 worth of toys and added cash donations, including $1000 from the firefighters' charity fund, for the 3BA Christmas Appeal.
Firefighters did frontline research, asking boys and girls in toy shops their opinion on the best and most fun toys available this Christmas.
Ballarat City Leading Fire Fighter Tony Dundas said this was a long-standing tradition crew members looked forward to each year.
"Everyone's keen and all know what to do," Dundas said. "It's a bit of an event, each shift count the cash and go collect some toys. There always a bit of fun interacting with the public."
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Firefighters' efforts will add to hampers to be distributed to Ballarat families from Thursday, some toys will boost late Christmas requests for help and anything not needed will replenish stock for the next appeal.
The 3BA Christmas Appeal supports Uniting Ballarat, Anglicare, the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society.
Appeal director John Fitzgibbon said this year's Christmas campaign was shaping up to exceed a record-breaking $200,000 in donations in a year with rising demand for help across the community.
The appeal was boosted with large cash donations from Ballarat businesses, Ballarat Christmas carols and $50,000 from the Catholic Diocese.
Again, the response has been what is the true spirit of Christmas, everyone gives. That is really special to Ballarat.
- John Fitzgibbon, 3BA Christmas Appeal director
Mr Fitzgibbon said it was great to have a second generation of firefighters continue their appeal tradition.
"Again, the response has been what is the true spirit of Christmas, everyone gives," Mr Fitzgibbon said. "That is really special to Ballarat."
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