Mums’ goal is new fire vehicle

Melbourne Football Club officials and VIM twins Jacqui Quigley and Marie Scuderi are working together to raise funds for the City of Casey Group of Brigades. Back, from left, CFA member Tony Scott, VIM personal assistant Terrie Archer, Melbourne defender Daniel Bell, and front, CFA member Daniel Murtagh, Melbourne backman Stefan Martin, Jacqui Quigley and Marie Scuderi, Melbourne forward Matthew Bate and CFA member Trevor McClenahan. 27935 Picture: Stewart Chambers

By Marc McGowan and Bridget Brady
TWO Cranbourne mothers have joined forces with the Melbourne Football Club to raise funds for a second strike vehicle for the City of Casey Group of Brigades.
Jacqui Quigley, who almost lost her Cranbourne North home on Black Saturday, and Marie Scuderi helped raise more than $10,000 at a fundraiser at the Cranbourne Homemaker Centre on Saturday.
MFC officials have also organised for all gate receipts from Saturday’s AFL NAB Challenge game against the Western Bulldogs at Casey Fields to go towards the cause.
MFC general manager of football operations Chris Connolly said it was an ‘outstanding’ cause.
“Jacqui Quigley is the one who has ignited this quest,” he said.
“We just thought, ‘we’ve got a game out there, so let’s see if we can dedicate some resources to help raise money for the CFA’.
“Hopefully, we can build a relationship with them to assist annually.”
Quigley and Scuderi, who branded themselves the VIM (Very Important Mums) twins, said all money raised from their fundraiser will go to the 11 CFA crews in the City of Casey to improve their facilities and capabilities to service residents.
“It was a really good and positive day,” Quigley said.
“Considering it was a long weekend and we only had one week to advertise it was a great turn out.
“The kids had a ball.”
Families enjoyed activities including face-painting, a jumping castle, horse riding and an animal farm.
City of Casey CFA group officer Shane Keen said he was very grateful for the support of the community, in particular the VIM twins.
Mr Keen said the money would be used to purchase another four-wheel drive strike team leader vehicle, used for team leaders to race ahead of a fire and report its status and movement back to fire crews.
“These ladies have been a breath of fresh air for us and have been going great guns – they have been fantastic,” he said.
The AFL NAB Challenge game between Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs kicks off at 2pm on Saturday.
Tickets will cost $10 for adults, $5 for concession card holders, $2 for children under the age of 15 and $20 for families (two adults and two children).
Casey Scorpions general manager Brian Woodman said he is hoping for a crowd of between 8,000 and 10,000 – weather permitting.