The Salvation Army has launched a disaster appeal to raise $3 million to support communities affected by the devastating bushfires in NSW and Queensland.
The Bushfire Disaster Appeal will position Salvos to move beyond the current support of evacuees and emergency personnel and into sustained effort required through the recovery and rebuild phases that will follow.
Woolies’ pledge of half a million
To kickstart the fundraising, Woolworths will donate another $500,000 to the S.T.A.N.D (Support Through Australian Natural Disasters) program.
The retailer is also encouraging its customers to donate when they next visit a Woolworths store.
All funds donated at Woolworths will help Salvos provide practical support to those impacted by the bushfires.
Salvos emergency services teams are active at six evacuation centres
The Salvation Army’s emergency services teams are active at six evacuation centres in NSW, including Wauchope, Macksville, Bowraville, Hazelbrook, Ballina and at Old Bar, Taree’s evacuation centre where meals are being served to 200 people, including evacuees and first responders.
In Queensland, Salvation Army emergency service teams from Noosa and Caloundra are feeding Queensland Police personnel while the Fassifern Salvos SAES team is feeding Queensland Hire and Emergency Services personnel at Boonah.
The Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer says it is unprecedented for the emergency services teams to be active at so many locations at one time in one region.
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said, “Woolworths is in the heart of every community, including the bushfire impacted regions, and we want to do our bit to support the work of The Salvation Army in helping communities get back on their feet.
“The situation is serious and it is important that we rally together. Woolworths will be donating another half a million dollars to the S.T.A.N.D program to support the efforts of The Salvation Army in this time of crisis.
Australians can donate by visiting salvationarmy.org.au, calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or by supporting the S.T.A.N.D Program by making a donation at any Woolworths’ checkout.
