News

Salvos Flood Appeal aims to raise $10 million

As damaging weather ravages the east coast of Australia and thousands of Aussies have become displaced from their homes, The Salvation Army has been in evacuation centres across NSW and Queensland, already providing over 12,000 meals for first responders and evacuees.

The Salvation Army have also launched a Flood Appeal aiming to raise $10 million which will directly support the estimated 18,000 homes expected to be impacted during these unprecedented floods. The Salvation Army has released $1 million immediately from its Red Shield Appeal funds in support of communities along the east coast of Australia.

The Salvation Army Emergency Services (SAES) currently have 10 teams assisting at 10 evacuation centres across Queensland and NSW. The SAES is supporting first responders and evacuees with meals, emotional and practical support. Current evacuation sites where the SAES are assisting include Nambour, Gympie (two locations), Ipswich, Caboolture, Dalkabin, Chandler, Logan, Lismore and Tweed Heads.

“Salvation Army personnel are on the ground right now providing thousands of meals for those impacted by floods across the east coast of Australia. In addition to meals, our teams are offering emotional support, which is well received by those displaced from their homes,” says Major Bruce Harmer, National Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army.

After the initial emergency response phase, The Salvation Army will remain in communities for the long term to ensure the many local communities impacted by these floods are supported practically and emotionally through the recovery and rebuild phases of this disaster.

“The Salvation Army is appealing to the public for donations to help ensure we can support those devastated by these floods get back on their feet,” says Major Harmer.

The services that will be made available will include teams of case workers who will be mobilised to affected locations and will work directly with individuals and families to provide grants, financial support and acute care for the duration of the recovery journey.

“We have seen in the past two years, through bushfires, floods, drought and COVID-19, the spirit of generosity shown in times of hardship. We are calling again on the Australians to help us be there for the incredible number of people displaced by the floods. Please, if you are able, give to The Salvation Army’s 2022 Flood Appeal”, says Major Harmer.