As a result of the recent floods in Brisbane, 6,000 homes were inundated. Tzu Chi Australia (TCA) Brisbane office immediately mobilized volunteers to distribute living essentials and blankets. Its volunteers nationwide have also initiated various fundraising activities.
As of January 30th , TCA has distributed 1,138 gift cards with a total value of $68,000; plus 276 cash cards totalling $138,000. There were also 323 packages of daily essentials, 276 medical kits, and 1,350 blankets. 1,884 residents from 1,161 families have benefited from 969 man-days contributed by Tzu Chi volunteers.
After assessing and setting up in four heavily affected areas (Darra, Goodna, Rocklea and Ipswich), TCA organised distribution of aid parcels in Goodna on January 29 and in Rocklea the following day. 107 families from Goodna and 60 from Rocklea attended. Two large scale distributions have also been scheduled for the following week – they will be in Ipswich on February 5 and 6. An estimate of 1,000 residents from 800 families are expected.
The Darra experience
TCA's first distribution was held in the morning of January 22. 700 parcels were distributed, containing medical kits, daily essentials and blankets (made from recycled polyethylene bottles). The residents were informed of the distribution through door-knocking. Each registered family also received a $500 cash card.
Distribution at the Redbank Plains High SchoolThe afternoon session of the distribution was at Redbank Plains High School, attended by about 100 local residents. One resident relayed his experience. In 1974 after the last major flood, he spent 2 weeks helping to reestablish his neighbour's home. Now finding himself at the receiving end makes him appreciate even more the emotions involved. To him, it is a cycle of benevolence.
The next distribution session was attended by Cr Paul Pisasale, mayor of Ipswich City. He revealed that when first approached by this group in blue uniforms, he had no idea who they were. But he was moved by their sincerity when shown their action plan, which resulted in those distributions.
Y.Y. Chen, CEO of TCA, acknowledged the assistance from the city officials and mentioned our obligation to protect the environment. She pointed out that the distributed blankets made from recycled PET and the reusable dining kits were just two examples of ways to reduce waste. She invited the public to join force with TCA to protect this beautiful country's environment and pledged that help will be directly delivered to those needed.
How to donate in NSW
- By cheque or money order, payable to Tzu Chi Foundation – Queensland Flood, to 20-22 Glen Street, Eastwood, NSW 2122
- By cash or credit card(Visa or Mastercard only) in person at the above address
- Via internet at https://secure1.everydayhero.com.au/donations/new?charity_profile_id=749
- By fax – please email:
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or call 02-98747666 for required form
