During a bushfire emergency weekend on February 1 that resulted in more homes lost in the Bega Valley, around 80 people were dancing the night away to help the community rebuild. The Merimbula Social Dance Group event at the Merimbula RSL Club provided a distraction for people experiencing bushfire stress, while also raising an impressive $4000 for bushfire relief. Dance club president Marian Machin said the generosity of the RSL in providing the venue for the event, which featured 50s-style dance band Toni and the Rhythm Cats, helped them raise $3000 through ticket sales and raffles. The dance club donated a further $1000. The club presented the $4000 to mayor Kristy McBain for the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund on Tuesday, February 18. Cr McBain said she was proud to live in a community that rallied so positively to help each other. "This is another example of what living in the Bega Valley is all about - pulling together under difficult circumstances and supporting the people who need it the most," Cr McBain said. "It is a brilliant effort to raise $4000. Every dollar that goes to this relief fund is linked with specific needs of people who have been impacted by the fires. On behalf of the council, I would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dance club for their thoughtful gesture." Mrs Machin said when they set the date for the event they were hoping the bushfires would be out and that it would provide an opportunity for people to forget what they'd been through and have a fun night together. "Those that were able to make it had a fantastic time but we were all very conscious that not too far away more people were under a great deal of stress," Mrs Machin said. "We are a relatively new club but our members are passionate about supporting the community, so this is our way of trying to help the people who have been directly impacted." Merimbula RSL Club secretary manager Michael Mutsch said the club was proud to support the social dance group, which formed two years ago and has almost 80 members. The RSL provides a dance space for the club on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. "The RSL Club is a place for people to come for social outings and support. We are proud to provide a room for groups like the dance club which brings together a lot of people including those who live alone and really enjoy getting out and meeting others," Mr Mutsch said. "The RSL is a back-up emergency evacuation centre and we had to swing into action in early January. We were pleased to provide the venue for this event and are impressed by the amount of money the dance group has raised. It's an example of the generosity that exists in the Bega Valley in supporting each other through hard times." Mrs Machin welcomed new members to the dance club, which has lessons on Tuesdays at 6-7pm followed by Rock 'n' Roll dancing. On Wednesday they have 'New Vogue' dance nights from 7-9pm. "Members are aged from their 30s to their 70s, and you don't need to be an experienced dancer to come along," she said. "Dancing is great for your fitness and your memory and you'll meet a lot of people as well. We have a whole lot of fun." For more information visit: https://www.merimbulasocialdance.com/