“Take care of God’s creation.  But above all take care of people in need.”

Pope Francis

Flood Appeal 2022

So many lives across Victoria have been changed forever with many destroyed by the ongoing floods. Flood recovery and clean-up has started, and an enormous effort is required to finance, mend and rebuild homes and businesses across central and northern Victoria.

The crisis is far from over and there are many difficult weeks and months ahead.  Many of us sit and watch, read or listen to the news helplessly as floodwaters continue to rise and wonder what we can do to help.

There are many organisations who are providing assistance and relief to the flood affected communities across Victoria including St Vincent De Paul.

St Vincent de Paul are seeking our help to allow them to cater specifically for the needs of those affected by the floods.  Funds are being sought to provide:

• Food and essentials – when a family loses everything, they urgently need the basics.  Your gift will purchase emergency food, toiletries, and essential household items.
• Emergency housing – rebuilding can take months, sometimes years.  When a family’s home is flooded, they need a temporary place to live.  Your kindness will help provide basic furniture to stabilise their family, pay rent and assist with getting them back on their feet.
• Clothing – when and if a family is forced to evacuate their home in a natural disaster, they often have no choice but to leave with nothing but the clothes on their backs.  Your assistance will help provide them with immediate comfort and relief of a fresh set of clothing when they have nothing. 

To donate call 13 18 12 or donate online at Vinnies Vic Flood Appeal 2022. 

Please quote your Conference Number when donating either online or over the phone as:

• Deepdene Balwyn Conference No. 404
• Camberwell Conference No. 401
• Surrey Hills Wattle Park Conference No. 393

Donation may also be made by way of direct banking to:

St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria Gift Fund
BSB:  063 000
Account No.:  106 07556
Reference:  FLOOD22 + your Conference Number

All funds raised will go directly to the communities that need it.

Many other charities are also working towards providing assistance to flood affected communities in Victoria following the October 2022 floods, among them are:

• Foodbank Victoria – is one of the largest hunger relief organisations in Australia – providing food and groceries to charities and school breakfast programs in every state and territory.  Foodbank was established in Victoria in 1930 with the State Relief Committee responding to widespread distress caused by the Great Depression.  It merged with Foodbank in 2006 to become VicRelief Foodbank and changed its name in 2011 to Foodbank Victoria.  Foodbank continues to collaborate with the Red Cross to deliver personal care hampers and clean up kits to those who have been directly affected by the floods.  In addition they have already sent thousands of hampers to the Shepparton area. 

• Givit – is a national not-for-profit organisation that matches generosity with genuine need through an online giving platform.  Givit is currently working with the Victorian Government to support flood affected communities by providing the right items at the right time in the right hands.  To donate online and to learn more about this organisation, visit Givit.

• Wildlife Victoria – has been providing the community with a Wildlife Emergency Response service for over 35 years.  Donations assist with keeping phone lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with travelling veterinarians responding in the field.  Donations also assist with supporting wildlife rescue volunteers across the state.

Support is also available to all those affected by the floods.  Up to date information on the changing flood conditions may be found on the VicEmergency website.  The Victorian Government Emergency Relief Assistance payments are available for those impacted by flooding to assist with medication, shelter, food, clothing etc.  

Our prayers continue to be with all those impacted by the floods, as well as the volunteers and emergency workers who are assisting them in their needs at this challenging time.  

By Kate Baines