The State Emergency Service received a massive funding boost via an outdoor retailing giant.

Boating, Camping and Fishing customers raised 100-thousand dollars with the promise of more to come.

Jessica Muller reports.

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Customers of 23 BCF stores across Queensland, raised the money in just the past year.

Neil Roberts, Minister for Emergency Services: “It’s all about staff at BCF encouraging their customers to round up to the nearest dollar and more if they wish and all of that additional money goes directly into supporting SES activities across the state.”

Ben McConnell, BCF Brand Manager: “Some of the stores that have done really well and really gotten behind this initiative were Cannon Hill. The Cannon Hill store raised huge amounts of money and our Gladstone store have been particularly strong.”

The money will purchase more than two hundred special backpacks which feature a water bladder to keep the volunteers hydrated.

These backpacks are the first phase of a rollout to operational SES staff and volunteers for their response to future flood storm events.

With almost 7,000 active members State-wide to kit out the SES is thrilled with today’s result.

Wayne Coutts, SES Acting Deputy Chief Officer: “This support from agencies like BCF and others just encourages the volunteers and ensures the volunteers feel wanted and appreciated.”

And in more good news for the SES all parties signed up to continue the funding initiative.

Jessica Muller QUT News