A few years ago, donors to charities became angry that a significant proportion of their funds went to collecting organisations. A similar quandary has arisen with Celeste Barber apparently not being able to distribute the $52 million she raised as she and her donors intended. (Comedian’s bid for charity funds could be up in smoke, 17/2). Her pitch was to help those losing everything, believing that the rescuing ethos of the RFS would extend beyond extinguishing fires. At no time did she see a need for fixing flat tyres or paint damage on fire trucks. The state government should provide infrastructure to the RFS and all of the funds raised by Celeste Barber should be immediately redirected. If an urgent NSW parliamentary bill is needed to do the trick, let’s get moving Gladys! Otherwise, the hours of media time at RFS HQ during the actual bushfires will be discounted as self-indulgent hubris. Alan Sexton, North Parramatta 18Feb2020.