Bushfire season was devastating last year around the Inverell district, as two major blazes swept through thousands of hectares of land.
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Local Rural Fire Service (RFS) volunteers were called away from their lives to fight, control and put out a Tingha Plateau fire in February and a Goonoowigall State Conservation Area blaze in December- not to mention the countless grass fires and rural call-outs throughout the year.
Heading into 2020, The General Merchant decided they wanted to host a fundraiser as a way to say 'thank you' to local RFS brigades for their service.
Restaurant owner Mark McNeil approached The General Merchant's brewery suppliers Deepwater Brewing, New England Brewing and The Welders Dog with an interesting idea.
Each of the three agreed to donate a 'Karma Keg' for a fire fundraising day, with 100 per cent of proceeds raised being donated to the RFS.
Held at The General Merchant on January 18, many locals headed down for a few drinks and delicious burger to support the fundraiser.
Local staff of the popular food joint donated part of their wages for the day to further raise money to assist local, rural fire volunteers.
"The Gum Flat and Inverell RFS brigades both identified the need for a large leaf blower, which are used in fire control, as equipment they required," Mr McNeil said.
With the help of Motor Mecca Inverell offering a reduced price, The General Merchant was able to purchase two machines- one for each brigade.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 there was a delay in being able to host a presentation and official handover of the leaf blowers.
However, on Thursday, Gum Flat RFS senior deputy captain Alex White and Inverell RFS captain Josh Warner took delivery of both units. The duo were grateful to receive the donated leaf blowers.
"The General Merchant would like to thank the three breweries involved as well as some staff members who donated part of their wages for the day to the cause."
