Harnessing community spirit for Ipswich hail relief appeal
05 November 2020
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding is harnessing community spirit to help storm-affected residents by announcing a Hail Relief campaign to raise funds and accept donated goods to assist families in need.
Mayor Harding praised communities as they rallied behind their neighbours in Springfield, Springfield Lakes, Rosewood, Willowbank and Thagoona as the post-Halloween hail storm clean-up continues.
“What has been a horror story for many residents is becoming a tale of courage, resilience and importantly, community spirit,” she said.
“It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the Ipswich community bands together to support each other in times of crisis. It is something that makes our community very special and makes a real difference to those impacted.”
Even as the hailstorm’s unprecedented damage is still being assessed, it is evident that residents will need so much more than the support and services progressively being rolled-out now.
“Insurance only covers so much, and for those not insured the road ahead will be tough. As a result, council has initiated a Hail Relief Campaign to raise funds and receive donated goods to support residents to get back on their feet,” Mayor Harding said.
Council is working with national online charity GIVIT to manage donated funds and offers of goods and services following the destructive storms in south-east Queensland. Hundreds of homes are uninhabitable and many more have severe damage, including loss of food, essential household items, furniture, clothes, school and work uniforms and equipment.
GIVIT is working with council and services on the ground as they assess need and advise what critical and immediate support is required. GIVIT will also provide longer recovery support as people re-establish homes and help these communities recover.
GIVIT’s Queensland Manager Jo Beadle says many residents are temporarily out of home and need donations of essential and everyday items such as toiletries, clothes and food vouchers.
“We work directly with councils, outreach teams, local charities and community groups who tell us exactly what’s needed, and then through our online warehouse we provide affected people with exactly what they need, when they need it most,” said Ms Beadle.
“We really ask that people don’t take donated goods into these areas. We want to make sure frontline services aren’t inundated by donations they don’t need, or donations they might need but at a later time, by encouraging people to pledge their donations through our easy-to-use website, GIVIT.org.au.”
Ms Beadle also stressed donated items need to be of high quality - goods you would proudly give to a family member or friend - to best assist and respect the dignity of recipients.
GIVIT is working closely with council, the YMCA Springfield Lakes Community Centre, Lifeline and other organisations on the ground providing emergency assistance.
To help people affected by the recent severe storms donate funds, goods, time and services online at givit.org.au