Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation supports local rescue group

THE NEEDS FOR RESCUE WORK.. Shepparton Search and Rescue commander, Stan Jezewski shows local philanthropist, Peter Copulous the new equipment his foundation helped procure, looked on by SSR secretary, Nacole Standfield. Photo: Steve Hutcheson
THE NEEDS FOR RESCUE WORK.. Shepparton Search and Rescue commander, Stan Jezewski shows local philanthropist, Peter Copulous the new equipment his foundation helped procure, looked on by SSR secretary, Nacole Standfield. Photo: Steve Hutcheson

Peter Copulos came to Australia as an eight year old boy where his family began a new life as orchardists out in East Shepparton. Over the years, business in Shepparton has been good to him as he has watched it grow from a few thousand people in those early days to the bustling metropolis that it is today.

With his success, he has had the opportunity to invest in philanthropy. This week, the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation donated $20,000 to the Shepparton Search and Rescue to help them buy new equipment. Recently, the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation donated one million dollars to the new Shepparton Art Museum and have had significant engagement at GV Health.

“Our interest is in seeing the Goulburn Valley community benefit from what we do. In this instance we were asked if we can support the important work of the Shepparton Search and Rescue to add to their capability,” said Peter Copulos.

Stan Jezewski, the commander with the Shepparton Search and Rescue (SSR) explained the functions of the new multi tool and ram and how they are used. This new equipment will be used to add capacity to an existing storm response vehicle that will enable it to meet the additional demands of attending road accidents in particular.

“We are an independent rescue organisation that has been running now for 48 years,” explained SSR president, Mick D’Elia. “We get some funding from the State Government but most comes from contracts with the Transport Accident Commission and Greater Shepparton City Council. However, we also get a large part of our funding from the community and organisations like the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation.”

If anyone would like to follow in the footsteps of the Peter and Maria Copulos Foundation and make a donation to the Shepparton Search and Rescue, there is a link on their website at www.sheppartonrescue.com.au