Wage For A Wage campaign to support volunteer fire fighters

Advertising, media and marketing chiefs have added their support to the ‘Wage For A Wage’ campaign to donate one day’s pay to fire fighters and are calling on others to join them.

All funds raised will be distributed to the Rural Fire Services Association (RFSA) and the Volunteer Fire Brigades of Victoria (VFBV) volunteer fire fighters’ welfare funds.

Industry leaders already on-board and encouraging others to support Wage For A Wage include Samsung Australia chief marketing officer, Josh Grace; Carot A/NZ CEO, Sue Squillace; BBDO Sydney CEO, Pete Bosilkovski; Twitter Australia managing director, Suzy Nicoletti; CHE Proximity CEO, Chris Howatson; and ING Australia head of marketing, Danielle Hamilton.

“As someone married to a firefighter, I have seen first hand the tireless bravery that this community embodies every day, so this cause could not be closer to my heart,” Nicoletti said.

A live tally will show progress towards the fundraising target of $1 million. A calculator on the campaign website (www.wageforawage.com.au) works out the value of one day’s pay after entering an annual salary, and allows it to be donated to the RFSA and the VFBV.

RFSA president, Brian McDonough, said the association provides practical support to volunteer firefighters on the ground as well as support for members who have been directly impacted by these fires.

"Just imagine seeing a loved one head out into the bush for weeks at a time to risk their lives. What these volunteers are doing, often with little to no pay, is nothing short of heroic," he said. "Over the past month, I've received calls from people across the world asking how they can help. The #WageForAWage campaign is a fantastic way for us to honour their courage and dedication. 

“The RFSA maintains a welfare fund with DGR status to specifically aid our members who have lost homes, farm equipment, fencing and livestock. In recent weeks, we have provided assistance to these volunteer firefighters through our work with the NSW RFS Chaplains who are trained and able to help these people in their recovery process.”

Bosilkovski is one hundred per cent behind this initiative. “Our volunteer firefighters have given up so much for others during this crisis, and many people are feeling helpless and not knowing how to support these amazing people," he said.

"The bushfires have been devastating and continue their destruction, this is a way for the industry to donate a day’s work for good – to show our support, say thank you and help repay these brave men and women in some small way.”

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