Your generosity has given relief to people in areas devastated by the catastrophic floods in NSW. Many lost homes, livelihoods, pets and some even lost their loved ones. So we have been inspired and grateful to see our community rally around those who are dealing with the massive clean-up and disruption to all aspects of their life and work.
The incredibly kind donations to our Flood Appeal came to over $75,000! This has helped us to provide emergency relief hampers filled with fresh fruit, vegies and store vouchers to replace essentials for people in financial difficulties. We have also deployed supplies on the ground, from bedding and baby food to cleaning equipment, to meet people’s exact needs.
“People’s challenges are very individual according to where they’re at in their recovery journey,” says Lachie Aird, our Regional Manager – Northern NSW. “At first, we were hearing families needed food and clothing, then camping equipment like tents, gas stoves, marquees and ropes, because the only option a lot of people had was to set up a tent in the driveway of their home that had been flood affected. So many people are homeless, camping in a backyard or couch surfing.”
Our chaplains have also been regularly visiting flood regions, offering people in distress someone caring to talk to. “You can walk down the street and there’s people with that look of despair,” Lachie adds. “You drive down the streets in places like Woodburn and Lismore and it is still very much like a war zone. The whole community is just really struggling.”
Recovery and rebuilding will continue for many more months and even years in the areas hardest hit. So to all those who donated funds or gifts in kind including bedding and whitegoods – a huge thank you!
