Australians give generously to storm appeal

The Salvation Army is continuing to meet the needs of those affected by the destructive New South Wales storms last week.

Thanks to the generosity of Australians, $325,000 has been raised through The Daily Telegraph NSW Storm Appeal.

“It is a hallmark of Australians to stand shoulder to shoulder during a disaster. Not just with the storms in the Hunter, but in any disaster right across Australia,” says Newcastle and Central New South Wales Divisional Commander Gavin Watts.

“We especially want to thank Newscorp, The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph for their generous support through the appeal, and the appeal partners Crown Resorts, Channel 7, Telstra, Commonwealth Bank, Woolworths and Qantas.”

Since the storms hit, more than 400 Salvation Army volunteers have been on the ground serving more than 6000 meals and refreshments at evacuation centre’s and emergency personnel staging areas.

More than 1250 hampers have been packed and distributed to people isolated on the Central Coast, Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas. A further 21 pallets of food has been delivered to the cut off community of Gillieston Heights in the Hunter.

“The Salvation Army is now entering its recovery phase as people return to their homes and access the damage. More significant assistance will be required and we will continue to respond to those needs as they arise, where they arise,” said Major Gavin.

“The Salvation Army is committed to standing with the Hunter region for as long as it takes for them to get back on their feet.”

Caption: Crown Resorts Foundation Senior Legal Counsel James Law, Channel 7 Journalist Sam Armytage, Newscorp State Director - News NSW Brett Clegg, Commissioner James Condon, Telstra Countrywide - Director for NSW and ACT Jenny West, Commonwealth Bank Regional General Manager NSW Mark Jones and Woolworths Head of Sponsorship and Events Karen Madden.