Scott Petroleum donated $2878.62 to the appeal – which ends on Friday – to tip the tally over the $25,000 mark.

The appeal was set up to support those who lost homes, belongings and livelihoods in January’s fires across the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee. 

Wimmera Uniting Care chief executive Barrie Elvish said it was a pleasing result.

“It has been a wonderful community effort, which has far outweighed our expectations,” he said.

Scott Petroleum site manager Hollie Winfield said the money was raised through the company’s Refuelling Our Community fundraiser at both its Baillie Street and O’Callaghan Parade sites.

“This year we decided the bushfire appeal was the perfect choice for our Refuelling Our Community money,” she said.

“As soon as we put up the signs in store the community showed their incredible support.

“On this occasion we collected cash donations as well as two cents a litre fuel contributions.

“This is the most we have raised since introducing Refuelling Our Community in 2008.” 

Wimmera Uniting Care will assess how the money raised will be used and distributed to those affected after the appeal closes.