Many in the Eurobodalla are asking what they can do to help the Tathra Community. Now is a time to provide for immediate needs The Salvation Army Bega (02) 6492 3332 and St Vincent De Paul Bega (02) 6491 8550 are both working overtime and are acting as distribution centres for donated goods. The Salvos and St Vinnies A Salvation Army spokesperson advised The Beagle the afternoon that the Salvation Army has been active over the past week helping communities affected by the numerous natural disasters happening around Australia. “The Salvation Army's disaster response team, alongside local Salvos, are currently in Tathra, on the south coast of New South Wales, assisting the local community who have been devastated by bushfires” he said adding “If you would like to support The Salvation Army's disaster response, go to salvos.org.au/standby "You can also donate in store at your local Woolworths”
“The Salvation Army is thankful to our national disaster partner Woolworths (through the STAND initial, standing with Australians during natural disasters). Woolworths have been providing food to the local community and with assist The Salvation Army will gift cards for their recovery efforts.
“At present The Salvation Army has oversight of the catering at the evacuation centre at Bega working alongside other community partners. We also have Salvos on the ground who are providing emotional and practical support. Within the coming days The Salvation Army will be providing immediate financial assistance for those in need. We will work with authorities in coordination of this.
“The Salvation Army will remain committed to the community of Tathra as it recovers and is there for the long haul as the community rebuilds” the Salvation Army spokesperson concluded.
Both organisations are in need of non perishable food pastas toiletries, new clothing undies, essentials and ask that any donations be bought to their outlets. St Vincent De Paul in Bega advised that they are also seeking donations that they can redirect them into providing specific services and support . For St Vincent De Paul you can donate at https://www.vinnies.org.au/donate
Bega Valley Shire Council’s Mayoral Appeal Fund. Bega Council have been overwhelmed by the support and donations that have been received.
Community needs are still being assessed. They ask that the public not take any donated goods to the evacuation centres at this stage. At this stage, the official fund for people wishing to donate money is via the Bega Valley Shire Council’s Mayoral Appeal Fund. BSB 012 525 Account number: 837535154 Mayoral Appeal Fund Donations are tax deductable and will go directly to individuals
Credit card payments are accepted by phoning (02) 6499 2345 during business hours to make a donation.
While there are many smaller campaigns running via social media gathering toiletries, household essentials, blankets and clothes it is still too early to begin to assemble furniture, items such as bikes, skateboards, wetsuits and the day to day items that have also been lost. Locally, through the mighty efforts of Bay Removals the Eurobodalla community is already contributing. Directly following the fire South Coast Beverages put together a pallet of water, shampoo and body wash that have since been delivered. MORUYA Bay Removals are also working in closely with Horizon Credit Union in Moruya and Cameron’s H Hardware who have both come on board as a drop off point for donated goods. They are also accepting donated goods at their office at 53 Shelley Rd Moruya They are looking for donations of new essential goods and toiletries only. Enquiries to 0448537343. NAROOMA The Narooma Surf Life Saving Club are organising a donation drive. They’re pretty covered for clothes and food, but one thing they’re after is fun stuff: - Kids toys - Books - Surfboards and wetsuits - Skateboards and Scooters - Bikes - Fishing Rods and tackle - Diving gear If you’ve got any of the above items under your house, gathering dust and they’re in good condition - why not donate them to someone who will really appreciate it! If you’ve got some gear you’d like to donate, the Surf Club will be driving a truck down to Tathra on Friday, so please drop off before Thursday night at: - Narooma Ice Creamery - Narooma Fitness Centre.
