Photos courtesy of The West Australian
Local residents have seen their dreams go up in smoke after the raging bushfire tore through 37 homes in the outskirts of the rural town 80 kilometres east of Perth. The Salvos’ emergency response and recovery teams have been active in assisting families and individuals impacted severely by the bushfire by providing for immediate support, counselling and practical assistance.
Warren Palmer, spokesperson for The Salvation Army said “ In the initial period following such a disaster, it is imperative that we reasure the victims of our support and this means long term through into the recovery phase for this community.”
“Over the next coming weeks and indeed months, we will be working closely in coordination with the Department for Child Protection in ensuring that all that need help, receive it. In our previous experiences in such events, The Salvation Army has worked effectively in the immediate support to FESA and other support agencies providing up to 600 meals a day but we are committed to the community of Toodyay for their long term recovery.”
The Salvation Army has begun the process of working with government support agencies and will assist by providing material and financial assistance to individuals and families who have lost homes or suffered hardship caused by the fires. We encourage all that have been affected to seek help.
The Salvation Army recognises that many families and individuals might be financially stretched after Christmas celebrations, but calls upon those who are able to make financial donations to support this Appeal as a very practical means of assisting those in our community who have lost so much.
Cash donations are the preferred method of supporting bushfire victims. It enables people the flexibility to purchase what they need in the first instance.
Currently The Salvation Army has sufficient household stock to assist people who require this kind help. Therefore no in kind household donations will be required. Financial Donations can be made to The Salvation Army’s Disaster Relief Appeal by calling 13 SALVOS (137258) or by going online towww.salvationarmy.org.au/donations. Donations are tax deductible. Once the immediate emergency is over and the recovery programme implemented and costed any remaining funds will be allocated to any future disaster needs in within Western Australia.
The Salvation Army has Emergency/Disaster Relief response team at the ready in times such as these to be at the front line helping the enormous number of men and women who are fighting the fires. Working in partnership with FESA, CFA and the Emergency Services, volunteer Salvo teams are providing food and drink refreshments to many fire fighters and Emergency Services volunteers. They are also providing immediate counsel and practical support to victims who are congregating at relief centres in Tooday.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”- John 16:33
