Well-meaning community members who want to help people in flood-affected areas are being reminded to use official donation channels to ensure those in need are supported without overwhelming service providers on-the-ground.
Issuing the reminder, the Minister for Flood Recovery, Steph Cooke said the best way people could help was by donating through the online non-profit donation hub GIVIT.
“Australians always come forward to help each other in times of need and it’s so heartwarming to see people right across the State giving generously to those who have been affected by this latest flood event,” Ms Cooke said.
“The NSW Government’s arrangement with GIVIT allows councils, local charities and community groups to tell us exactly what they need. GIVIT then works to meet these needs through an online warehouse or by purchasing requested items locally using donations,” she said.
“By donating through the official channels, people can know their generosity is going directly to those who’ve been hit hardest by the flooding.”
Commissioner of Resilience NSW, Shane Fitzsimmons said that in addition to GIVIT, people could donate through other established flood appeals.
“Donating through official channels makes a huge difference to effectively supporting flood-affected communities,” Commissioner Fitzsimmons said.
“With organisations like GIVIT and established flood appeals we can make sure we get the right donations to individuals and families at the right time.”
“We will continue to support communities for as long as it takes them to recover from these storms and floods,” he said.
Further information on GIVIT’s flood appeal can be accessed at this PS News link and on other established appeals at this link.
