Australia: SVP launches Bushfire Appeal

firefighters - screen grab

The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW in Australia has launched a Bushfire Appeal to help victims of the devastating and on-going bushfire emergency. More than 2,000 fire fighters are battling with blazes across many areas of New South Wales.

Hundreds of homes are feared destroyed, and many many hundreds of people have been left homeless with little more than the clothes they are wearing.

Five teachers and seven students from two Catholic schools at Springwood in the Blue Mountains are among those who have lost their homes. More than 100,000 hectares of land so far has been burned and areas around Sydney are reported to be shrouded in smoke and ash.

On Sunday morning news broke that the fire had claimed its first victim, with the death of a 63 year-old man who suffered a fatal heart attack while fighting to save his house from the approaching inferno at Lake Munmorah on the NSW Central Coast.

The SVP has already provided clothes, mattresses, blankets and food vouchers for those forced from their homes. Ray Reynolds, NSW State Council President of St Vincent de Paul Society NSW said: "Vinnies members work and live in the communities affected by these fires which means we will be there for the long haul, helping people rebuild their lives in any way possible for as long as they need."

Deacon Tony Hoban, Executive Officer for Vinnies- Parramatta said: "Many of our Vinnies members in the Blue Mountains have lived there for decades and are extremely skilled at knowing what is needed in an emergency and how to help. They are all extremely generous with their time and their hearts and are doing whatever needs to be done to bring comfort as well as practical help to those affected by these fires."

Although these emergencies the public are keen to donate clothing, blankets and furniture, Vinnies and other welfare agencies say that financial donations are the most effective way of helping.

"For the hard hit communities, financial as well as emotional assistance is vital," says Michael Perusco, CEO of Vinnies NSW, and says financial donations enable those on the ground to provide the right sort of assistance to the people who need it most.

He also says that in the difficult weeks and months ahead when the shock begins to wear off and the trauma of the fire and all that has been lost starts to hit home, Vinnies will be there, offering friendship, compassion and practical assistance as people start rebuilding their homes and their lives.

The Bishop of Parramatta, Bishop Anthony Fisher OP said he understands homes, property and even some schools in the Diocese are still threatened by the fires but thanked the emergency services and volunteers for their courageous efforts in protecting human life and property to date.

Counsellors from the Diocese of Paramatta's welfare agency, CatholicCare have been put on alert and are also available to help children, families and individuals cope with the roller coaster of emotions in the wake of losing their home and pretty well everything else they own.

The NSW Rural Fire Services have warned that due to high temperatures, some fires not expected to be brought under control for some weeks.

Bishop Bill Wright of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle extended his thoughts and prayers to the family of the man who died at Lake Munmorah and to all those who have lost their homes, property, pets or livestock.

"My heart goes out to individuals and families, particularly those in the Hunter region and Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle," he said and praised the dedication of fire fighters, many of whom are volunteers, who put their lives on the line to help protect the lives and homes of others," he said adding that he prays God will watch over them and give strength, courage and hope to all those who need it over the coming months.

To donate to the St Vincent de Paul Society NSW Bushfire Appeal log on to: www.vinnies.org.au/nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw or phone 13 18 12 or send your donation to P.O. Box 5, Petersham NSW 2049

Sources: SVP/Church Resources