National President of the St Vincent de Paul Society Claire Victory encourages people to give generously to support the work of the Society in those communities devastated by the crisis.
‘People have been generous with their offers of help on the ground, but cash is urgently needed to help provide necessities such as fuel, clothing and food.
‘Every cent of money donated goes to people in need. We do not take a fee for administration or other costs.
‘The scope of this disaster is unprecedented, but our volunteers and staff are on the ground across all states affected by the crisis.
‘As I’ve said before, Vinnies is part of an integrated, whole-of-community response the government can call upon now, and in the weeks and months ahead. We are working with other lead agencies to accompany people whose lives have been devastated by the fires.
‘We very much appreciate the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference’s coordination of this significant, focused appeal.
‘The Society is also working with Catholic Religious Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, the National Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Health Australia on this joint effort’, Ms Victory said.
Donations from the parish plate on the Australia Day weekend to the bushfire appeal will be sent to the National Council’s gift fund and distributed to affected communities as a matter of urgency.
Donations can also be made by visiting the Vinnies website.