Salvos serve thousands of meals to first responders and NSW flood evacuees

Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) have served 3400 meals since turning out five days ago to support disaster response teams and people forced from their homes.

SAES teams have set up at seven evacuation centres – Macksville, Bulahdelah, Laurieton, Kempsey, Taree, Richmond and North Richmond – to provide meals, refreshments and care for the affected communities.

“It is hard not be moved by the challenge confronting people as the floods rise, then fall and people begin to assess the damage and impact on their lives,” says Salvation Army Commander for NSW/ACT Miriam Gluyas.

“It is also deeply heartening to see the peoples’ resilience. Salvos are honoured to be supporting the first responders and the people whose lives have been turned upside-down by another disaster – following bushfires and Covid-19 – within a year."

Woolworths rounds up support for Salvos disaster response

Woolworths supermarkets across New South Wales and the ACT are providing shoppers the opportunity to ‘round up’ their bill at checkout to support the Salvos disaster services.

The Salvation Army’s longstanding disaster response partner has started the round-up with a $100,000 contribution to the checkout campaign which runs through until Sunday, taking its support to more than $1.1 million this financial year.

“Our thoughts are with all our customers, teams and communities that have been impacted by the recent and widespread flooding across NSW,” said Brad Banducci, Woolworths Group CEO.

“In times of crisis it is so important that we act quickly and work better together to support those in our community who are most in need.

“Through the Woolworths S.T.A.N.D (Support Through Australian Natural Disasters) program we partner with The Salvation Army to ensure they can perform the vital role of providing practical on-ground assistance and emotional support to the community during times of disaster.”

The Salvation Army’s National Secretary for Communications Lt-Col Neil Venables said "Woolworths' support helps keep The Salvation Army's emergency response capability in a 24/7 state of readiness, allowing us to move quickly to help first responders and communities in times of disaster.

“The leading donation of $100,000 is greatly appreciated, as is the checkout round-up in its New South Wales supermarkets. We are honoured to stand with Woolies in these trying times for so many fellow Australians."

Australians can support The Salvation Army’s emergency response by donating here.