Kiwi Karma link for Carterton firefighters

Carterton firefighter Mike Dawes. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Carterton Fire Brigade has recently partnered with Kiwi Karma, a hotel and travel accommodation booking website which allows users to automatically donate to a charity of their choice.

Fundraising organiser and firefighter Mike Dawes said it was an easy way for people to give to the brigade, while still receiving the same rates and deals.

"This is a simple way that allows us to get something back without a lot of effort.

"This is something that people can do without trying."

Mr Dawes set up a similar fundraiser for the Silverstream brigade and said it worked well, especially if there were frequent travellers in the community.

"Even if only two or three people travel every couple of weeks it's probably worth over a $1000 a year."

The Kiwi Karma website offers the same deals as other online booking services and has no booking or credit card fees, he said.

Mr Dawes, who transferred to the Carterton brigade last year, said the brigade would receive between 5 to 8 per cent of each booking made through the site.

"It's a bit of a no-brainer but it only works if people actually use it."

Funds raised through the site would go towards the maintenance of the brigade's rescue gear, which could cost as much as $10,000 a year to maintain, and upkeep of the brigade's van, Mr Dawes said.

"The Fire service provides an awful lot of equipment but unfortunately they can't provide everything."

The brigade is 100 per cent volunteer run and attends about 250 callouts a year, responding to house fires, scrub fires, car crashes, rescues and medical incidents.

Go to http://www. kiwikarma.co.nz/ for more information