The Salvation Army responds to NSW Bushfires
21 October 2013
Salvation Army Emergency Service Crews are on hand in fire affected areas, manning evacuation centres and serving meals to emergency service personnel and residents forced out of their homes. As well as providing meals, The Salvation Army is giving pillows, blankets and immediate aid to affected individuals and communities.
The Salvation Army has emergency services volunteers and personnel at various evacuation centres across New South Wales, including: Central Coast, Raymond Terrace, Lithgow, Blue Mountains and Picton. At Raymond Terrace crews continue to serve 1200 meals a day to fire fighters and expect to remain in service until at least Tuesday.
The Salvation Army launched a Bushfire Relief Appeal on Friday in response to the devastation caused by the NSW Bushfires. More than $500,000 was released by The Salvation Army on Sunday to aid the bushfire relief and recovery effort. The Salvation Army continues to provide care and support to those affected by the fires.
The Salvation Army’s Major Jeff Winterburn has thanked Australians for their tremendous
generosity and offers of support. “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.”
Given the fact that this is an emergency situation the most effective way the public can support The Salvation Army is through financial donations. These can then be immediately distributed to communities in need in the form of vouchers and material aid. “Financial donations allow the people affected to recover with dignity as they are able to purchase items they need most,” says Major Winterburn.
The Salvation Army would like to thank Woolworths, Westpac and Target for their generous support of the Bushfire Appeal. Woolworths have pledged to match dollar-for-dollar all donations made at checkouts nationwide over the next two weeks. Target has raised over $34,000 so far from in store customer donations to the Bushfire Appeal and will continue to act as a point of public donations. Target has also donated $100,000 to Appeal. Donations can be also made at Westpac branches across Australia. All donations are tax deductible.
Australians who want to support the Bushfire Relief Appeal can donate to The Salvation Army’s Australian Disaster Relief Fund by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or by donating online below. Donations can also be made in person at any Westpac Bank branch, Woolworths Supermarkets or Target store nationwide.
For enquiries or media comment please contact:
The Salvation Army Australia Eastern Territory Media Office
T. 02 9266 9820 (phone attended after hours)
The media team is available to assist with setting up interviews or providing on the ground contacts and information.