Vinnies Bushfire appeal raises $120,000


The St Vincent de Paul Society raised more than $100,000 through its parish bushfire appeal at the start of the month. This was in addition to $20,000 raised through its appeal hotline in the preceding weeks, bringing the appeal total to $120,000 so far. St Vincent de Paul approached parish priests who issued an appeal announcement from the pulpit. The appeal took place after each Mass on the weekend of January 5-6.

Owen Rogers, St Vincent de Paul's executive officer. praised the generosity of the parishes and the public. "The generosity of people has been absolutely outstanding. They really should be thanked for their generosity."

The money raised by St Vincent de Paul will go directly to the NSW Department of Community Services to be distributed to the victims of the bushfires. A committee consisting of departmental officers and representatives of charities and other non-government organisations was to meet during the week to determine the criteria for distribution of financial aid to victims.

By mid-January, more than $3 million had been raised in the state-wide appeal co-ordinated by the department, including $1 million each from the state and federal governments.

People affected by the fires should register at a recovery centre so their needs can be assessed.

There are six recovery centres in operation -- in Springwood, Warragamba, Helensburgh, Nowra, Vincentia and Sussex Inlet.

SOURCE
Catholic Weekly


15-Jan-02