MEDIA RELEASE

For immediate release

— Wellington, Monday, 9 February 2009 Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Garth McKenzie (Territorial Commander) The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

Appeal for victims of the Australian bushfires

In a gesture of solidarity The Salvation Army in New Zealand has launched an emergency appeal for those who have lost their homes and possessions in the Australian bushfires.

New Zealand Salvation Army spokesperson Major Robbie Ross says the misery and deprivation caused by the fires will reverberate through affected families and communities for years to come.

“While Kiwis are having a tough time in terms of the recession, those who are able to make donations would be assisting those who have lost so much,” Major Ross said.

The Australian Salvation Army has emergency service teams in many of the emergency relief centres across the state, with officers and staff helping accommodate evacuees and providing meals, clothing and other essentials. It is also providing grants for those hit the hardest.

It has 200 volunteers working alongside fire fighters, providing them with food, drink and support.

The Salvation Army was not left unscathed. Its drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre in the Victorian town of Overdale was today burnt to the ground.

Donations can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org or by calling 0800 53 00 00.

ENDS

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