The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund has launched an appeal in the wake of recent fires across the region.
It will assist those affected, and payments have already been made to families in East Gippsland and Wellington shires.
GERF president John Mitchell said the organisation had so far received at least six applications for assistance from the Latrobe Valley.
“We’re waiting for the overall assessment of property damage, but we have had quite a few submissions from three councils,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Based on our understanding of the inspections, we think the appeal is going to need several tens of thousands of dollars.”
GERF focuses on helping to meet people’s immediate needs for food, clothing, utensils, furniture, bedding and fencing, rather than capital items which may be covered by insurance or government aid.
“People can be assured that every dollar is actually allocated to those in need. Not one cent is extracted for administration.” Mr Mitchell said.
“We’d encourage mums and dads and corporations within and outside our region to contribute to what we think is a very worthy cause.”
All GERF donations are tax deductible.
Donations can be made:
– At any branch of the National Australia Bank, BSB: 083 932, Account Number: 04829 9080
– Via post to Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund, PO Box 508, Traralgon, VIC, 3844
– Via PayPal by following the link on the GERF website at www.relieffund.org.au
