Much-needed rain was not dampening the mood of punters in the Peppermill Inn’s beer garden on Sunday.
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A fundraising concert starring Chocolate Starfish lead vocalist Adam Thompson brightened up the rainy day, where hundreds of people attended, thousands of dollars were donated and hundreds of raffle prizes were won.
Greater Shepparton Councillor Kim O’Keeffe said when the event was approved on Friday afternoon and was advertised on social media, the community’s response and willingness to put forth raffle options was "insane".
“We’ve had over 200 donations – thousands of dollars,” Cr O'Keeffe said.
“We didn’t know what to expect when it came to numbers today, probably a couple of hundred - the wet weather might have kept them away - but we’ve got an online donation link that people who can’t get here can donate to.”
The event kicked off at 2 pm on Sunday, with special announcements of larger donations up to $4000 mentioned.
Then local acts played before Thompson, who stole the show.
Cr O’Keeffe said events like these could make the punters think about the seriousness of the bushfire situation and realise, by coming together, how powerful communities could be.
“There’s plenty of places people can donate to, but we thought as a community, we wanted to rally and show our spirit,” she said.
“The aspiration was to present something from the greater Shepparton community and show we care, we support and we need to do something to help.
“I think every dollar helps – every little bit adds up.
“We’re happy to have the community behind it and it’s great to see everyone showing their true Aussie spirit.”
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