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The Salvation Army would like to thank Woolworths today for its generous support for The Salvation Army’s Bushfire Appeal, with Woolworths pledging to match dollar-for-dollar all donations made at checkouts nationwide over the next two weeks.

"The support from corporate partners such as Woolworths is invaluable in enabling us to care for those affected by these devastating fires," says The Salvation Army's Major Jeff Winterburn. "We're supporting people who have lost everything, people who are hurting emotionally and for whom we know long term care and support is going to be needed."

"Picking up the pieces of a home in rubble or a livelihood ruined is a long and painful process and The Salvation Army is committed to working in communities for as long as it takes,” said Major Winterburn.

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.

Initially The Salvation Army is providing meals for people affected by the fires and the emergency services personnel involved. Pillows and blankets were provided for evacuees last night and our people are seeking to meet people at their point of need. During the postdisaster phase, The Salvation Army will then move toward longer-term support and help people rebuild both physically as well as emotionally.

"People are understandably very upset and bewildered," said Major Winterburn. "We are letting them know that there is help available and that we will be supporting them through this, and we would ask that anyone in need at this time to contact Salvo Care Line on 1300 36 36 22."

"We want to thank Woolworths for such a generous pledge," said Major Winterburn

“We encourage people to donate through any Woolworths supermarket so that we have the capacity to stand alongside those suffering as they begin the journey of recovery."

People who would like to support the Bushfire Appeal can donate to The Salvation Army’s Australia Disaster Relief Fund by calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), online at salvos.org.au, or in person at any Westpac Bank branch or Woolworths Supermarkets nationwide.