Around fifteen years ago, Gerroa Boat Fisherman’s Club began a tradition of holding an annual charity fundraiser day on the October Long Weekend.

“In the years since we started it, we’ve raised over $250,000, which has all gone to local causes,” says Club board member and Treasurer, Bill Preston.

“This includes over $80,000 to Camp Quality, and support for the school, surf club and other organisations.”

This year’s recipient is the Gerringong Rural Fire Service, which has today been presented for a cheque for $6,000.

“We are very grateful for the donation,” says the Brigade President Craig Keller.

“We will use to get some refurbishments to the station to make it more useful for our members, given our increasing numbers.”

The Disney characters after their annual bucket drive. The costumes are owned by a board member.

This year, the Fishos held an extra charity fundraiser, on the June Long Weekend, raising $5000 for another disabled beach wheelchair.

“We donated the first one, which is stored at Seven Mile Beach Caravan Park, in 2004 and it is getting so much use we held a special day to raise the money,” says the Club CEO Peter Grogan.

The charity days feature auctions of donated items, raffles of electrical goods, and a tradition of using Disney characters to help collect money on Fern Street.

Gerringong RFS is also one of the local clubs that hold monthly raffles at the Club, to raise regular funds.