The Salvation Army launches Flood Appeal
29 January 2013
The Salvation Army has launched a Flood Appeal to help fund its work supporting communities across Queensland and North New South Wales as floods continue to devastate these areas.
Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) staff and volunteers have been deployed to 11 designated evacuation centres and continue to provide vital services to those affected by the floods. As of Monday afternoon (28 January), more than 120 Salvation Army volunteers had provided in excess of 4405 meals.
The SAES teams are currently engaged at Bundaberg, Gladstone, Warwick, Murgon, Ipswich, Goodna, Gympie, Carindale and Tweed Heads. SAES teams from Townsville and Rockhampton have been on standby to assist in Bundaberg. Other teams on standby include all south Queensland
Salvation Army spokesperson, Major Bruce Harmer said: "The Salvation Army’s initial response is to work closely with emergency services in providing humanitarian support (primarily catering) at evacuation centres. The next stage in our service delivery will be to provide ongoing support to individuals and families once the full extent of the devastation becomes apparent.
“The Salvation Army encourages anyone impacted by the disasters or traumatised in any way who requires emotional support to contact Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22 (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
“We are also calling upon the Australian community to give generously to The Salvation Army's Flood Appeal by donating to our Australian Disaster Relief Fund online at salvos.org.au, by phoning 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or in person at any Westpac branch or Woolworths and Big W stores across Australia,” said Major Harmer. (Donations over $2 are tax deductible.)
Summary of Salvation Army support as at Monday afternoon, 28 January:
Bundaberg - The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) are running two Evacuation Centres in Bundaberg - one at Bundaberg Civic Centre and one at a Bundaberg North High School. Feeding around 600 people at Civic Centre and around 50 at the High School.
Gladstone – SAES have been asked to set up 3 centres at Tannum Creek, Morris Creek and one other location (communication has been affected in this area).
Warwick –
Murgon – Two teams of
Ipswich – SAES have been running the evacuation centre at Ipswich Showground, catering for 270 people
Goodna – SAES team running the evacuation centre at Shiloh Church, catering for 50 people.
Gympie – SAES catering for 75 people at Civic Centre and another team feeding 15 people at Showgrounds.
Carindale – SAES assisting with catering for 50 people
Tweed Heads – SAES teams from Gold Coast Salvos and Tweed Heads Salvos are providing catering at the evacuation centre at Tweed Heads Salvos.
For more information or media comment please contact:
The Salvation Army Media Office – (02) 9266 9820 (diverts after hours)