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Bushfires Photo by Craig Wood
The Salvation Army continues relief efforts in the scorching heat wave
By Stephanie Gourd
The Salvation Army provided relief efforts in January to the Australian island state of Tasmania, which endured more than 40 raging bushfires. The blazes, originating from an extreme heat wave and strong winds, destroyed at least 100 properties and forced thousands to flee, with many people seeking shelter on beaches.
“Our initial response has focused on meeting the immediate needs of the people involved,” said Captain Craig Wood, communications and fundraising secretary for The Salvation Army in Tasmania. “We have served over 7,000 meals to crews working to control the fires and to people evacuated from their homes. We have also distributed much needed financial and material assistance.”
As part of the initial response, the Army distributed clothing, food supplies and gas stoves. Emergency Services teams are also working in restricted areas. With conditions stabilizing, shift rotations have begun to give exhausted volunteers an opportunity to rest.
“Thousands of people have been affected and the battle to recover from this disaster has only begun,” Wood said. “Some fires are yet to be controlled and many lives will need to be rebuilt. We are appealing to the community to assist us in supporting those affected for the long term by making a donation to our Disaster Relief Appeal.”
The appeal has been well received by Woolworths, Big W, Kmart, Caterpillar, McDonalds, Bidvest, Coca-Cola, Schweppes, Rotary, Bendigo Bank and Derwent Entertainment Centre, each making contributions or directly donating goods.
Donations can be made to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund at salvationarmy.org.au.
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