Bunnings police legacy donation: Hardware chain donates $250,000 to charities helping families of fallen officers
A remarkable $250,000 gift to police legacy charities is set to help the families of officers killed in the line of duty this Christmas, including 190 children in Victoria alone.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
An illuminating gesture in honour of fallen police will lift heavy hearts this Christmas.
The families of officers who have died in the line of duty will be helped through with a gift of more than $250,000.
Hardware chain Bunnings is donating the money — raising through the sale of Christmas lights — to police legacy charities nationwide.
The store has reported a spike in sales in Christmas lights, particularly solar lighting, festoon lighting and light statues, as locked down Victorians swing into the festive spirit.
Victoria Police Legacy chief executive officer Lex de Man said its share of the donation would be directed to supporting the children of fallen officers, including giving each a Christmas gift.
Statewide 190 children aged under 22 who have lost a parent who served in the force will receive assistance. Thirty five were aged under 10 — the youngest just 18 months old.
“That money will go to supporting those families and our young police legatees who have lost a mum or a dad — not only helping them through Christmas but into the New Year,’’ Mr de Man said.
“It’s a very hard time for them.”
Bunnings chief operating officer Debbie Poole, whose chain donated $40,000 to Victoria Police Legacy in April for the families of four officers killed on the Eastern Freeway, said its stores worked closely with police in helping prevent crime and improve safety.
“We are grateful for the difficult and dangerous work the police do to keep our communities safe so it’s a great honour to support their amazing work,’’ Ms Poole said.
“We look forward to strengthening our support for years to come.”
Police couple Emma Delbridge and Michael Putson, with children Ben and Penny, began straightening out their Christmas lights this week as the festive countdown begins.
MORE NEWS
REMEMBERING JOSH PRESTNEY: THE PHONE CALLS THAT WERE NEVER ANSWERED
THE FRANTIC FINAL MESSAGES GLEN HUMPHRIS NEVER LIVED TO READ