Rocking a great cause

YOUNG and old sang, danced and opened their wallets at the Very Gami Christmas fundraiser for Loki’s Lodge animal rescue and rehabilitation last weekend.

More than $1700 was raised at the performance by the Gami Gami Devils, with the money going towards the care and feeding of the 210 animals currently living at Loki’s Lodge.

Loki’s Lodge founder Danielle Press said she was thrilled by the response to the event that was held at Palling Bros Brewery.

“Raising over $1700 for Loki’s Lodge, we are so grateful to the generosity of the Gami Gami Devils, Palling Bros and the Heathcote community,” she said.

“The rain couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm and the Christmas spirit! We had a blast and we can’t wait to do it again.”

Ms Press started Loki’s Lodge seven years ago and receives calls every week from people who are unable to keep their animals.

During the afternoon, the Gami Gami Devils performed a mix of country songs and covers, as well as Christmas carols.

Money was raised by raffling donated prizes and there were auctions for a package of merchandise and a handmade quilt donated by Kaye North from Yarra Quilters.

Band member Mark Cooper, aka Hot RodGami, said the gig was one of the best he’s been part of in a long time.

“As a band we thought it was fantastic,” he said. “We always have a good time but we felt as though we were smiling from ear to ear, all afternoon.

“I think it was because it was such a great cause and it was so good to see the community come together to support it.

“Everyone was invested in it, from our families who helped out, Peter Pichut, from Palling Bros, who really looks after us, and supporters from Melbourne who made the journey.”

Since 2018, the Gami Gami Devils have been performing several times a year at Palling Bros and Cooper said they look forward to more shows, possibly in March and again in winter and spring.

“And we are hoping we can do another Christmas fundraiser for Loki’s Lodge next year, and perhaps extend it with some other local artists,” he said.