Lecturer collects 200 pairs of boots for fire victims

About 200 pairs of boots have been collected for Victorian bushfire victims through the Wide Bay Boot Drive.

The drive was spearheaded by USQ Fraser Coast science lecturer Helen Ison and her friend aged care nurse Lisa Annas, of Hervey Bay.

'These people will need work boots when they return to their land,' Helen said.

'Many of them would have lost all their work gear.'

The drive was kicked off with a donation of boots by Dundowran Rural Fire Brigade member Jamie Shield.

Dr Shield, also a USQ Fraser Coast lecturer, said he was happy to be able to help, even in just a small way.

When the local outlet of The Australian Reinforcing Company (ARC – formerly Smorgan Steel) heard about the boot drive they donated 30 pairs from off their shelves.
Company spokesperson Annie Hamilton said the drive was a brilliant idea.

'Boots are such a practical thing,' she said.

ARC's donation of 30 pairs of boots is worth $2600. Their donation includes ladies and men's work boots, as well as gumboots.

Local transport company Reid and Barden's Removals will take the boxes of boots to Victoria free of charge.

Media Contact:  Katrina Corcoran, USQ Media, +61 7 4194 3167