Cash, not goods, needed for bushfire response
Australians are being urged to please donate cash, rather than goods, to the The Salvation Army’s Bushfire Appeal for people affected by fires in NSW.
Major Jeff Winterburn from The Salvation Army has thanked Australians for their tremendous generosity and offers of support and reminded people that cash donations are needed most.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by the level of support for The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal, which has already raised more than $300,000, and we’d like to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who’s donated.
“At this stage we are only accepting cash donations as this allows us to aid the community immediately. This also allows the people affected to recover with dignity by purchasing items they need most which, in turn, also injects much needed funds into the local economy”, says Major Winterburn.
Those wishing to support to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal can donate to our Australian Disaster Relief Fund by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visiting salvos.org.au, or in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths store across the country. Donations are tax deductible.
Woolworths will be matching public donations dollar for dollar for the next two weeks.
Members of the public wanting to help with providing emergency housing, please call the Disaster Welfare Hotline 1800 018 444 in office hours. Anyone in need of help or a listening ear may also call Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22.
The Salvation Army continues to support fire fighters and those affected by bushfires across NSW. In the Blue Mountains, The Salvation Army has set up a presence on burnt out streets, offering affected residents support, meals and beverages. A dedicated Salvation Army Emergency Services truck has been deployed so crews will be able to drive to affected areas and set up a mobile support base.
“We just want to be there for the many, many residents who are hurting right now,” says Springwood Salvation Army Officer Captain Phil Sharp. “We are ready and willing to assist in any way possible.”
The Lithgow Salvation Army Emergency Services team was recalled this afternoon and will serve in the evacuation centre there.
In the Hunter, crews in Raymond Terrace continue to serve 1,200 meals a day to fire fighters and expect to remain in service until at least Tuesday. Salvation Army volunteers and personnel are also supporting affected residents at the evacuation centre.
Salvation Army Emergency Services crews in western Sydney and the Hawkesbury are on stand-by.
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