News

The Salvation Army has released $3 million from the Red Shield Appeal to help those impacted by the NSW floods and is calling on the Australian public to help by donating towards the $10 million recovery efforts.

Donations made to the Red Shield Appeal will support the Salvos’ long-term commitment helping those devastated by the floods to recover and rebuild in the months and years to come.

“The Salvos need the support of the Australian public so we can continue to help those most in need as a result of these floods. It is an honour to serve the first responders and those whose lives have been turned upside down by another disaster, following bushfires and COVID-19, within a year,” says Major Bruce Harmer, The Salvation Army’s National Public Relations Secretary.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) has served more than 3,500 meals to the disaster response teams and those who have been directly impacted by the floods.

SAES food and pastoral support teams have been set up at seven evacuation centres throughout NSW: Macksville, Bulahdelah, Laurieton, Kempsey, Taree, Richmond and North Richmond.

The Salvation Army Recovery teams, which have been on the ground supporting those impacted by the devastating Black Summer bushfires in 2019/20, will now be mobilised for the long-term flood recovery effort.

“We will be there for the long-haul, supporting the recovery efforts of these devastating floods in the coming month or years, but we cannot do this without the generous support of the Aussie people. We know that when the chips are down, Aussies help out their fellow mates in need, so please give generously.” says Major Harmer.

The Salvos long-term recovery support will begin next week. If you need support with the recovery and rebuild from the floods, please contact The Salvos Assessment Line Team on 1300 662 217 or email sal.disasters@salvationarmy.org.au. In the interim, if you need support as a result of the NSW floods, please access the emergency funds that have been released by the state and federal government.

Generous donations from Woolworths, The Salvos Disaster Partner and Reckitt Hygiene ANZ have helped kickstart the vital fundraising efforts.

Through the Salvos and Woolworths disaster partnership S.T.A.N.D (Support Through Australian Natural Disasters), Woolworths has made a $100,000 contribution, part of more than $1.1 million donated this financial year.

Brad Banducci, Woolworths Group CEO said: “Our thoughts are with all our customers, teams and communities that have been impacted by the recent and widespread flooding across NSW.“

A further $150,000 donation has been made by Reckitt with Regional Director for Reckitt Hygiene ANZ Oliver Tatlow saying: “Seeing the impacts of the recent floods on families and communities has been nothing short of devastating, particularly after the year that has been. Now more than ever, we must do what we can to work together and support the physical and emotional recovery efforts and facilitate relief for those affected.

Australians can support The Salvation Army’s emergency response by donating here.