THE generosity of the wider south-west community will be on show in Mortlake on Saturday to support a local family who lost their business to a devastating fire.
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An afternoon full of fun and activities is planned for the Mortlake Recreation Reserve (D. C. Farran Oval) on Saturday afternoon, with proceeds going to Rob and Nicola Herry and their four young children.
The Herrys’ Dunlop Street Fish and Chip Shop/Bakery was razed by fire in late October. The shop opened in February and was starting to pick up trade after a slow winter. At the time Mrs Herry was pregnant with twins and a custom-designed pram from the United States, car seats and other items for the new babies that were stored in the rear of the shop were also destroyed.
The twins, Remy and Adia, made an early arrival at the start of December, little sisters for Cooper, 3, and Arlo, 2.
Mortlake resident Renee Killen, who is helping organise Saturday’s event, said she had been overwhelmed by the generosity shown for the event, which will start at 1pm at The Mortlake Recreation Reserve in Officer Street.
“There will be a whole lot of different things going on,” Mrs Killen said.
“We will have a jumping castle, face painting, arts and crafts and an Auskick clinic for the kids. There will also be a kick the footy into the back of a ute competition, live music throughout the day and a barbecue.”
Mrs Killen said businesses from across the south-west had donated a variety of items for prize draws and a feature raffle.
“The local businesses have been so generous. The Mortlake community have already helped them out straight after the fire, but have been happy to help out again.
“Businesses in Warrnambool and the surrounding towns haven’t hesitated, even though they don’t know the Herrys. It’s so overwhelming and very touching.”
She said the main raffle prize on the day was a TV donated by Mortlake Betta Electrical. Other prizes include a meal voucher package from south-west pubs and restaurants, beauty packages, a service voucher from Warrnambool Mazda, a Terang gym membership, sporting memorabilia, advertising packages and vouchers to a multitude of other local businesses.
“Norton Ford in Warrnambool have also made a large and generous donation that will go directly to Rob and Nic,” she said.
Entry is $30 for families, $10 for singles and children under two free.
