Fire crews ready to wash your car for charity (From Daily Echo)

Hampshire fire crews ready to wash your car for charity

9:43am Saturday 16th March 2013 in News By Melanie Adams, Health Reporter

Firefighters wash a car during a previous event.

FIREFIGHTERS across Hampshire are using their hoses to fight grime instead of flames today.

Fire crews are rolling up their sleeves in preparation for their mission to tackle dirt and muck and get the cars in the county looking pristine to raise vital funds for The Fire Fighters Charity.

As part of the National Car Wash event, from today stations will be opening their forecourts to motorists, offering to give their car a good wash in return for a donation to the charity.

The event is one of the most important on the fire and rescue service calendar, raising thousands every year to ensure the charity is there for firefighters and their families during difficult times.

There are events today at fire stations in Eastleigh, Winchester, Hamble and Gosport between 10am and 4pm.

Andy Bowers of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “The money raised through national fundraising initiatives provides a real boost to The Fire Fighters Charity.

“As well as being a fun and popular event for the charity, the National Car Wash also gives our firefighters the opportunity to share important safety messages with members of their local community.

“We are delighted that so many of our fire stations are getting involved and would urge local people to come along and support the day.

“Your valued donations will go towards helping thousands of men, women and children from the fire and rescue community during their times of need.”

The Firefighters Charity is the UK's leading provider of services that enhance quality of life for serving and retired fire personnel and their families and relies entirely on donations from the public.