Fantastic result  from Aspendale Gardens Operation sign up Chelsea SES

Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre had a distinctly orange feel about it on Saturday (18/09/2010) as Chelsea SES mounted one of its biggest fundraising efforts of the year with their Ritchie’s Community Benefits Card sign up day.

Members get ready for the crowds at sign up day

Chelsea Rescue 1, Rescue 2, Chelsea Transport and the unit’s brand new storm trailer were all on display along with plenty of members, all with the aim of signing up as many shoppers as possible to make Chelsea SES their Community Benefits Benefactor.

All is readiness for operation sign up

From early morning through until around 4pm, volunteer Chelsea members gave out pre- registered cards ensuring that shoppers could begin helping Chelsea SES immediately; even from the shopping they were about to purchase.

Members Allan and Bruno checking that all is ready to go

Marg signs up the first of many shoppers for the day

Store manager, Luke Allan presenting the plaque to Chelsea Unit Controller, Ron Fitch

Ritchie’s IGA Store Manager, Luke Allan was on hand to wish the guys good luck with the day and also to present Unit Controller Ron Fitch with a plaque to recognise the work that Chelsea undertake for the community and the reiterate the continuing support that Ritchie’s IGA give to Chelsea SES Unit.

Bethany & Dean Allan In Chelsea Rescue 2

Luke’s children; Bethany and Dean came along with Dad and were keen to check out the Chelsea SES fleet, especially the latest acquisition, Chelsea Rescue 2.

Members Ria & Aaron try their hands behind the check out

Members Ria and Aaron even tried their hand on the check out; Ritchie’s didn’t quite trust them enough to serve real customers and although Store Manager Luke didn’t quite trust them with real customers they certainly looked the part.

Aaron taking a donation from 2 of the days younger shoppers

Every cent helps to keep Chelsea SES ready to help the community

Another happy Ritchie's IGA customer making a difference

Many people already had community benefactors that they were supporting but many of those people were still keen to give a donation to help. From old and young; large donations and small; the support shown to the Chelsea members was fantastic and reminded all of us that attended just why we do what we do.

Another new sign up is reason enough for smiles all around

The Roberts family from Aspendale Gardens came along to meet the crew and looked right at home trying out Rescue 2 for size; maybe there are 3 budding SES members in a few years time.

From L-R Shelby, Brylee & Darcy Roberts taking Rescue 2 for a quick spin around the Aspendale Gardens Shopping Centre Car Park

Thank you !

Every volunteer member at Chelsea SES would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who signed up, gave a donation, or simply said thanks for a job well done. Special thanks to Ritchie’s IGA for their fantastic ongoing support and to Luke and Penny Sayer for their assistance in making the day possible.

Allan receives a smile in return for an SES colouring book, now that's a good deal!

Now to the nuts and bolts of the story. At the end of the day Chelsea SES signed up almost 170 new community benefit card holders naming Chelsea SES as their benefactor and raised $1,566.00 in donation; a brilliant effort by all concerned...THANK YOU!!