Messages | Victorian Bushfire Appeal
Neil Venables (Major) Territorial Public Relations Secretary
Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe that seven months have passed since Black Saturday. Like you, the loss and devastation isn’t far from my mind. As a nation we all felt for those people who lost loved ones and their homes. The tragedy of the situation galvanised many into action. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of people and businesses. To those who volunteered, donated to the appeal and provided goods for affected communities, thank you.
Your support has helped us to be there for people months after the blaze passed. You were there with us as we provided emotional support, meals to emergency crews, financial assistance and material aid during the first days and weeks. You are still there for those in need as we work through long-term plans to help communities strengthen and rebuild.
Our response to the Victorian bushfires presented a huge challenge. Gathering the team, arranging supplies, and managing the logistics were at times difficult. Our response was on a large scale, working across more than 10 sites and remaining flexible as things changed required the support of many dedicated people. Without our teams on the ground, office support team, volunteers or supporters, we would not have been able to sustain so many weeks, and now months working at the frontline.
I’ve been out and visited our bushfire recovery centres, and I’ve seen the complete destruction of entire towns. It’s really hard to comprehend how people manage to cope with such tragedy. When it comes down to it, the strength of the human spirit is amazing.
The other day a man, he was probably 20, came into one of our centres to get some help. Our team there spoke with him, heard his story and made suggestions as to how we could help him. As he was leaving, he turned around with tears in his eyes and said, “I can’t tell you how grateful I am to The Salvation Army, because you take the time to listen”. ...continued from Front Cover For this man, our personal approach gave him a chance to share his story with someone who was there to listen, and this meant the world to him.
Listening is so important. We know people’s needs are changing but people’s emotions are changing too. The shock has passed and for many, living with ongoing stress and economic hardship is starting to take its toll. We have heard many families experiencing relationship strain, breakdown and conflict. We are walking along side families, giving them support and helping to try and ease the pressure many relationships are under.
People need to be able to share their stories and experiences as part of the emotional and physical recovery process.
We are preparing to deploy long term community outreach workers to bolster our numbers, making sure we can reach out to everyone who needs us. These workers will concentrate on practical and emotional support, community development and advocacy. We believe that having people on the ground, listening to the needs of the people around them is the best way to empower people to stand on their own two feet and make their own road to recovery.
Thank you for supporting the work of The Salvation Army. On the next page you will see a small selection of the letters, cards and emails that we have received from grateful people who have come to us for assistance. Although these notes were sent to us, it is fitting that I share them with you. After all it’s your support that makes our work possible.
God Bless.
Neil Venables (Major)
Territorial Public Relations Secretary
The Salvation Army – Australia Southern Territory
. “...Bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes”– Isaiah 61:3 NIV
The Salvation Army World Leader, General Shaw Clifton
We have woken here in London to news bulletins giving top priority to the bushfires near Melbourne...
Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and to all Australia in these trying days. We will share the news with the rest of the Army worldwide and seek prayers. These will be most readily forthcoming...
May God be with you all, and may his comfort reach those who are bereaved and those traumatised through the sudden loss of loved ones and their homes.
We will hold Australia in our hearts and prayers …
General Shaw Clifton
Jim Knaggs Territorial Commander The Salvation Army Australia Southern Territory
Dear Friends
We share the raw pain and shock of this incredible loss of loves and livelihoods through the tragic bushfires in Victoria.
We have been witness to the despair in the minds of the victims and the horror in the faces of the workers. We understand that life for those who have lost loved ones will never be the same.
Please understand our depth of commitment to the people of Victoria. We are in this for the long term. The Salvation Army will not walk away or stand down after the initial emergency is over.
We understand a long-term and ongoing commitment is essential to help rebuild communities and lives.
We will strive to provide the most efficient and most effective avenues to offer material aid, emotional and spiritual support. We will continue to pray that we can truly help to be stewards of healing and hope as we together rebuild communities and rebuild lives.
May God bless you,
Commissioner Jim Knaggs
Neil previous message Feb 2009
The bushfires in Victoria have shocked and saddened all Australians, as a nation we have suffered a great loss. 173 people have lost their lives and 5,000 people lost their homes. I knew on Black Saturday that many Victorians would be affected.
After watching the Saturday evening news I began to telephone Salvation Army leadership and personnel ascertain our response to this crisis. I quickly discovered that our Emergency Services Response team were already assisting and that our Chaplain team were mobilised and on route to the key sites.
On Sunday 6 February at 8.30 a.m. The Salvation Army called a critical incident management meeting. It was decided by our Territorial leadership at this early stage that we needed to mobilise our people across the state and launch a public appeal in support of the communities who were in crisis. Also initial attempts to contact key Government and non-Government agencies were made.
As Australians we have a wonderful spirit and a willingness to support others in need, and as much as we are feeling distressed we are also ready to help out. The Salvation Army has received more than $17.5 million in donations to our Victorian Bushfire Appeal. These donations have enabled us to provide financial relief to more than 10,000 people as well as providing them with comfort and emotional support. On behalf of The Salvation Army I would like to extend a huge thank you to those who stand beside fellow Australians in need.
You have made a difference and your generosity will continue to provide hope as communities devastated by the fires begin to rebuild.
Major Neil Venables
Thank you notes
Jonathan sent us a lovely note to thank The Salvation Army for the wonderful support he and his family received following the devastation and loss of their family home in the Kinglake area. Although Jonathan said he felt embarrassed at having to be the recipient of charity, he said it was administered in such a loving way that his family was overwhelmed with both practical and spiritual support. Jonathan was also grateful for his wife’s counselling that was organised through The Salvation Army.
Major Jenny Barnard
Divisional Leader – Melbourne Central Division
I just want to say thanks, you have been so kind and nice to me and my little family. I just hope one day God will give us the chance to give back a little for all the help and support in this difficult time for us.
Please let me thank Pathways The Salvation Army in Seymour for the goods that were delivered today. The gentleman who delivered the goods was a very nice bloke. ...Thank you received from a single elderly man who lost everything in the fire.
We would like to thank you kindly as we appreciate the generous donation you have given us. Our business has been greatly affected by the happenings all around us and the donation will help support our needs for growth in the future.
Thank you, I have just received a $290 cheque in the mail for half of my kids school fees and swimming program. All these little bits are making a dif ference and for that I thank you most sincerely. This is a tough time and we will survive, but your help is appreciated. Thanks again.
To Salvation Army and Helpers. Saying thank you is so easy. A kind gesture lasts a lifetime. Your thoughtful gifts brought a smile to my face. We were overwhelmed by your generosity, your kindness touched our hearts. There are really no words to express our gratitude for all you’ve done. We’ll always remember this kindness. My thank you to you all seems so small compared to all you’ve done. With warm appreciation for your kindness, thank you so much for the help and understanding.
To everyone at the Salvation Army in Traralgon. We would sincerely like to thank you for all your help after the fires. You have all been fantastic and we can never repay you for all your kindness. But it is with all our heart that we say thank you! Each and every one of you.
