The donation was presented by customer experience manager Annette Angus to Ian Ritchie and James Mackenzie-Ross on Friday, July 18.
Ms Angus said the program was dedicated to assisting community charities and groups, with the Echuca team choosing who receives the annual donation.
“All our team got together and decided this year’s recipient would be the Echuca Moama Search and Rescue Squad,” she said.
“Definitely for all their outstanding work in the community, keeping everyone safe.”
The squad provides vital services to the community, including emergency response, search operations and support in crises.
Squad member Ian Ritchie said the service was not government funded, so donations were crucial to its operation.
“It’s all self-sufficient. We’ve got to do our own fundraising, so every bit helps — this will enormously,” he said.
“It’s encouraging, too, to get recognised because sometimes you’re out there and think: does anyone know we’re here?”
The donation will go towards equipment, clothing and name badges, helping members to be identifiable during emergencies.
Squad president James Mackenzie-Ross said his team members were grateful for the support, which will go back into the community.
“This will be spent locally, which is quite good,” he said.
“It gets our name out there as well. We’re only a volunteer organisation, so we want people to join and help out.”
The squad has a variety of roles for volunteers, including in road rescue, boating, drone operation, administration and land search.
It covers the region within a 50km radius from Echuca, and offers on-call positions for those with other employment.
To find out more or enter an expression of interest, email president.emsr@gmail.com
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