The Salvation Army has launched a disaster appeal to allow people across the Hunter and NSW to support communities affected by the devastating bushfires across the state and Queensland.
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The Bushfire Disaster Appeal will allow the Salvos to provide additional support beyond the current assistance of evacuees and emergency personnel and into the sustained effort required through the recovery and rebuild phases to come.
Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer said the support effort of the organisation would extend to those affected for months to come.
"Our hearts go out to the families and individuals who have been affected by the bushfires in NSW and QLD," he said.
"We are currently on the ground providing support and will remain on the ground in the months to come as people begin to recover and rebuild."
The Salvation Army's Emergency Services teams have been active at six evacuation centres in NSW including Wauchope, Macksville, Bowraville, Hazelbrook, Ballina and at Old Bar, Taree's evacuation centre where meals are being served to 200 people, including evacuees and first responders.
The effort to raise $3 million dollars has started with a $500,000 contribution from Woolworths.
The money is being donated to the S.T.A.N.D Program, the disaster relief partnership between Woolworths and The Salvation Army. Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci said it was important that communities rally together.
"Woolworths is in the heart of every community, including the bushfire impacted regions, and we want to do our bit to support the work of The Salvation Army in helping the community get back on their feet," said Mr Banducci.
"The most effective way people can help is by making a financial donation which allows us to buy supplies in the local community and provide cash vouchers so people have the dignity of choice in their purchases - that's what we consider to be hope, where it's needed most," added Major Harmer.
Australians can donate by visiting salvationarmy.org.au, calling 13 SALVOS (13 72 58) or by supporting the S.T.A.N.D Program by making a donation at any Woolworths checkout.
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