Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade with Ken Wade-Ferrell.
Two of our members attended a luncheon in the city last week on the invitation of the Newman’s Own Foundation. Their CEO Bob Forrester addressed the many not-for-profit organisations represented, detailing the very large financial grants made available in Australia during 2015.
Winmalee Rural Fire Brigade was the recipient of one of these generous grants which allowed us to purchase an additional specialist fire fighting appliance. The new Category 7 fire vehicle was on display at the recent opening of our new fire station at Yellow Rock. In appreciation for the generosity of the Newman’s Own Foundation the brigade presented Bob with a unique plaque to be displayed in the office when he returns home to the US. It happened to be Bob’s birthday on the day so the gift was warmly received.
Bob told all gathered how Paul Newman made salad dressings in the basement of his home and bottled them for friends for Christmas. One of his friends suggested they make his delicious dressings on a larger scale and as a joke Paul agreed. The business grew above all expectations and Paul chose to donate all the profits to charity. Since it started in 1982 the Foundation has donated US$460 Million to thousands of organisations worldwide of which US$22 Million has gone to over 1,000 Australian charities.
Bob was well aware of the October 2013 Fires and on behalf of all residents we thanked him and the Newman’s Own Foundation for their gift.