The Salvation Army released $A500,000 to aid the bushfire relief and recovery effort yesterday as the bushfire emergency continues in New South Wales this week.
Mostly volunteer personnel have been involved in feeding firefighters and people at evacuation centres and have established a presence on burnt out streets in Blue Mountains communities to offer support and meals to residents.
More than 200 homes have been destroyed in the fires which broke out last Thursday and one person has died. The New South Wales Premier, Barry O’Farrell, has declared a 30 day state of emergency in the state with weather conditions expected to deteriorate in the next few days. There are fears three fires in the Blue Mountains could merge and form a single ‘mega fire’.
The Salvation Army has launched an appeal to help those affected and, as of Sunday, had already raised $300,000. They have said that donations of cash rather than goods are preferable.
To donate, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), visit www.salvos.org.au or do so in person at any Westpac brand or Woolworths store across thecountry. Donations are tax deductible and Woolworths will be matching public donations dollar for dollar for the next two weeks.
For someone needing a listening ear, the Salvo Care Line can be reached on 1300 36 36 22.
