The Salvation Army launches Cyclone Alfred Appeal

Salvos release $600,000 with partners Woolworths and NAB Foundation pledging $400,000 to kickstart Appeal with $1 million boost

With Tropical Cyclone Alfred due to make landfall today in Southeast Queensland and Northern New South Wales, The Salvation Army is calling on Australians to dig deep and give to their Cyclone Alfred Appeal in support of those displaced by the disaster.

The Cyclone Alfred Appeal is aiming to raise $5 million which will directly support the estimated hundreds of thousands of people expected to be impacted during this disaster. The Salvation Army is releasing $600,000 immediately, made possible by the ongoing generosity of Australians to the Red Shield Appeal.

The Salvation Army is grateful for the generous support of its partners, including Woolworths and The NAB Foundation, kickstarting the Salvos Cyclone Alfred Appeal to $1 million.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) currently have teams deployed in 9 evacuation centres across QLD and NSW providing meals and other support. There are further SAES teams on standby, ready to be mobilised to provide emergency relief at evacuation centres across the region, working closely with QLD and NSW state governments.

“We currently have teams that have deployed on the ground in QLD and NSW, with more ready to go, supporting those devastated by Cyclone Alfred. We will remain in communities for the long haul, not just in the initial emergency response but throughout both short- and long-term recovery phases,” said The Salvation Army’s Major Bruce Harmer.

The Cyclone Alfred disaster is anticipated to have long term impacts, meaning The Salvation Army will employ its three phased approach to natural disaster response. This begins with the Emergency Relief phase, which involves SAES teams and local Salvos providing meals and emotional support to those impacted by the disaster.

As the cyclone dissipates and the true nature of the devastation and loss becomes clear, The Salvation Army’s Recovery teams will move into the Early Recovery phase, providing grants and emotional care to those impacted by the disaster. This support continues into the Long-Term Recovery phase, as the Salvos partner with communities for as long as it takes for them to recover and get back on their feet.

“We are appealing once again to the Australian public for donations to our Cyclone Alfred Appeal, to ensure we can support those devastated by this disaster. It is during times of crisis that we see the Aussie spirit of generosity shine through, so please, if you are able, give to our Appeal in support of the thousands who will be affected by Cyclone Alfred,” says Major Harmer.

Anyone who is impacted by Cyclone Alfred and needs support is encouraged to monitor the QLD and NSW Government websites for weather warnings and evacuation updates.

To donate to The Salvation Army’s Cyclone Alfred Appeal, please visit salvationarmy.org.au/cyclonealfredappeal. You can also donate in store and online at Woolworths.