Continuing its long relationship with the NSW Rural Fire Service, Nokia recently made a major handset donation to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Brian McDonnell from Nokia Australia said that the donation was very much part of Nokia’s efforts to live up to its creed of ’connecting people’. "We are very proud to play some small role in helping the NSW Rural Fire Service continue its important work of connecting volunteers and communities. The service does amazing things, not just in fighting fires and fire prevention education but supporting communities, especially rural communities in times of need."

Major Ron Anderson, Senior Chaplain of the NSW Rural Fire Service said, "I was “blown away” to see that Nokia was wishing to donate 100 handsets to us. With this generous donation we will be able to supply a number of the country RFS brigades with updated handsets as well as providing the chaplains with supplies to hand out to some of our farmers and their teenage children."

According to Assistance Commissioner Keith Harrap, "The Rural Fire Service has strong ties with the community and this generous donation from Nokia will help us continue our work in this area."

Nokia has been a long time supporter of the NSW Rural Fire Service via its Chaplaincy service. Over the years, Nokia has developed a close relationship with the Service and supported its volunteer work.

The NSW Rural Fire Service is the world's largest fire service, with approximately 69,000 volunteer firefighter members providing emergency services to over 90% of New South Wales.

Fifty dedicated chaplains help with the many pressures that may affect the physical, emotional and personal well being of firefighters. Chaplains of all religious persuasions are drawn from local district clergy to ensure they are experienced with the spiritual, psychological and social needs of volunteers and staff seeking assistance.

According to Major Ron Anderson AFSM, Senior Chaplain with the NSW Rural Fire Service, “Our role is to care and support people at scenes of fire or disaster, at brigade stations and fire control centres, and when visiting homes and hospitals.

"Nokia's credo is 'Connecting People' and we use the handsets they have provided us with, to help people connect in times of crisis."

"There is something indescribable in the expression on a person’s face when you hand a child in hospital some mobile games to play, or give a person who has just lost their home the opportunity to call someone, or give a visiting firefighter a chance to 'phone home' when they are battling blazes interstate."

To find out more about the NSW Rural Fire Service visit