Due to unprecedented demand, The Salvation Army has launched a disaster appeal to raise $3 million which will position them to move beyond the current support of bushfire evacuees and emergency personnel and into sustained effort required through the recovery and rebuild phases to come.
To kickstart the fundraising, Woolworths will be donating another half a million dollars to the S.T.A.N.D (Support Through Australian Natural Disasters) program to support the efforts of The Salvation Army to help bushfire impacted communities.
Australians are also being encouraged to donate to The Salvation Army when they next visit a Woolworths store.
100% of funds donated at Woolworths will help The Salvation Army provide practical support to those impacted by the bushfires.
Woolworths Group CEO, Brad Banducci said; "Natural disasters like these bushfires are incredibly devastating.
"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 communities get back on their feet.
"The situation is serious and it is important that we rally together. Woolworths will be donating another half a million dollars to the S.T.A.N.D program to support the efforts of The Salvation Army in this time of crisis.
"We encourage customers to do so as well if they're able and we will be collecting donations for The Salvation Army at all Woolworths stores."
The Salvation Army spokesperson Major Bruce Harmer said; "Our hearts go out to the families and individuals who have been affected by the bushfires in NSW and QLD. 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 are active at six evacuation centres in New South Wales, 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.
Major Harmer said; "It is unprecedented for our Salvos Emergency Services teams to be active at this many locations at one time in one region."
In Queensland, The Salvation Army Emergency Service teams from Noosa and Caloundra are feeding Queensland Police personnel while the Fassifern Salvos SAES team is feeding Queensland Fire and Emergency Services personnel at Boonah.
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.
