$1.2 million raised for bushfire-hit residents
Head of The Salvation Army in Eastern Australia, Commissioner James Condon, with members of the Springwood Salvation Army Emergency Services crew. (Photo: Lauren Martin)
The Salvation Army would like to thank Salvationists and the general public who have donated to our Bushfire Appeal for their generosity. The $1.2 million dollars raised so far will be spent to help residents and communities in bushfire-affected areas recover.
“We have already released $500,000 in immediate disaster assistance,” says Salvation Army spokesperson Major Darrell Slater, “and our officers and personnel will be on hand in the weeks and months ahead to work alongside these hurting communities for the long haul.”
Salvation Army staff and volunteers continue to operate in fire-affected areas, providing meals to residents who have evacuated their homes and to firefighters and other emergency services personnel.
“We have Salvation Army Emergency Service crews operating in Lithgow, Bilpin, and North Richmond Evacuation Centre,” says Major Slater. “Other crews in the Blue Mountains and in western Sydney are on standby.”
As well as preparing for the event of increased bushfire activity in the coming days, The Salvation Army is planning its long-term response. This will involve a range of measures including crisis assistance, trauma counsellors, financial counsellors, legal and other support services.
“We will be part of the long-term recovery process with people who have been affected by the fires,” says Major Slater. “We will be there – physically, emotionally, spiritually and in any way possible – so they can get their lives back on track.
“And we couldn’t do it without the generosity of so many Australians giving to our Bushfire Appeal. It is amazing how time and time again, Australians pull together during times of great devastation.”
Salvation Army personnel working at Territorial Headquarters in Sydney are encouraged to wear red on Wednesday 23 October and make a donation to the Bushfire Relief Appeal.
Australia Eastern Territory Commissioner James Condon has thanked the public for its generosity: “As usual, Australians are just responding in an amazing way…. I want to assure the Australian public that we will be accountable for the money they will give. We will spend it where it is meant to be spent – in assisting people.”
The Salvation Army has expressed disappointment at reports that there have been people going door-to-door in some Sydney suburbs purporting to be from The Salvation Army and raising money for the bushfire appeal.
The best way to donate to the bushfire appeal is by calling 13-Salvos or going to our website – salvos.org.au. You can also donate at any Woolworths store, Westpac Branch or Target outlet.
Comments
No comments yet - be the first.