Vinnies partners with Channel Nine for Bushfire Appeal
Vinnies is pleased to announce a partnership with Channel Nine for the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal, urgently raising funds for communities impacted by bushfires.
“We are truly grateful to Channel Nine and our generous donors for their support, which will enable us to ramp up our assistance to communities during the dire week ahead,” said Jack de Groot, CEO of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW.
Mr de Groot expressed his deep sympathy and support for the growing number of people affected by bushfires, and confirmed that Vinnies Shops and services in NSW will remain open this week wherever it is safe to continue operating.
Vinnies is supporting those affected with immediate needs including food and clothing, and referring onto other services that are able to provide accommodation and specialised forms of support.
“The strength of Vinnies is that we are embedded in local communities, as our members belong to those communities and know their needs first-hand,” said Mr de Groot.
Vinnies member Bill Baragry spent the weekend supporting locals at the Tuncurry Bowling Club and Forster Vinnies Shop, even after being forced to evacuate his own home. Further north in Walcha, the local Vinnies Shop sprang into action as bushfires threatened the area, providing locals who had left their homes at short notice with food, clothing and vouchers for groceries.
Near Ballina, the mostly Aboriginal community of Cabbage Tree Island had to be evacuated and called upon Vinnies to provide support. Our local members arrived at the evacuation centre with food, nappies and baby formula.
“In communities big and small, Vinnies members are ready and able to help. I invite anyone needing assistance to drop into their local Vinnies Shop or call us on 13 18 12, where we will be able to connect you with support,” Mr de Groot said.
“We are grateful to anyone who is able to donate at this time, and invite you to make a contribution over the phone on 13 18 12, at bushfireappeal.com.au, or in any of our Vinnies Shops,” Mr de Groot said.
“Your donated funds will help right now, as well as over the long weeks and months of recovery. We will be working closely with the affected communities to determine the best ways to help them get back on their feet.
“While we are thankful for donations of quality clothing and items, the best way to make an immediate impact is to give money. This enables us to direct your donation right away to those who need it.”
Vinnies echoes the calls of the NSW Rural Fire Service to stay up-to-date with fires in your area through the NSW RFS website and social media channels, as well as local ABC Radio.
