b'Rebuilding after the bushfires In January, we called on our community to rally together and help us support the recovery of those impacted by the devastating bushfires across Victoria and Tasmania. The response was truly overwhelming, with over $430,000 raised. These donationsProviding practical helped us deliver: support during a crisisTrauma kits for impacted childrenAt the height of the bushfire crisis in Gippsland,$57,000 worth of immediate essential itemsa couple aged in their 90s were evacuated by to evacuated communities, including clothes,air from Mallacoota. They were provided with toiletries, medication, air mattresses andmotel accommodation in Sale but had no spare more clothing and had left their medication behind. $200,000 worth of furniture for people whoSeeking assistance on behalf of the couple, the lost their homes and needed to move tomotel employees called our Gippsland team. temporary accommodation The Integrated Intake and Assessment team shotFunding for additional pastoral care andinto action. They headed to the local pharmacy to support through the Uniting Church. arrange medication, and while the prescriptions Plan International, a charity experienced inwere being filled, drove the couple to the Op Shop providing international disaster relief, arewhere they were given two outfits. The couple working with us pro bono to develop a long- were also set up with a personal care package with term plan to support children, young people andtoiletries and food supplies to see them through families in bushfire-affected areas. The plan willthe next few days.be delivered using the remaining funds from theBut the couple didnt just receive material help appeal and through work with government andin their time of need. Volunteers and Op Shop other funders. employees all spent quality time with them too, The generosity of our supporters will ensurelistening to their story with care and compassion bushfire victims receive the ongoing recovery andover cups of tea. relief support they need to rebuild their lives.(Left to right) Jeremy and Paul delivered goods to bushfire-affected communities in Gippsland.50 Uniting Vic.Tas Annual Report 2019-2020'