ADRA Op Shops (Adventist Development and Relief Agency International) ~ 2011 Australia Floods

FROM RELIEF WEB:

Australia, Queensland Floods: ADRA Acts to Meet Needs
Source: Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA)
Date: 13 Jan 2011

Wahroonga, New South Wales — While the Brisbane River may not have reached its expected peak overnight the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia is continuing to work on the ground and with local governments to plan clean-up and recovery activities to contribute to a process which will, according to experts, take years.

While ADRA continues to plan and assess the long-term needs of affected communities, ADRA Op Shops throughout flood affected Queensland continue to meet the immediate welfare needs of affected families.

Donations can be made to ADRA Australia's Queensland Flood Appeal online or by calling 1800 242 372.

In Toowoomba, which lays in the wake of what has been described as an 'inland tsunami', the local ADRA Op Shop assisted in providing food, clothing and emergency accommodation for those impacted by the torrent.

"You just do what any human would do," said Janet Hughes, ADRA Op Shop manager in Toowoomba. "We were able to call on our resources and assist as the needs arose."

In Gatton, ADRA Op Shop manager Ngaire Dare, who also co-ordinates ADRA's local youth support and training program 'Focus for the Future', is working with emergency service authorities to provide additional clothing and blankets to the region's evacuation centre.

ADRA has also assisted in securing emergency accommodation for flood affected families in northern New South Wales, with volunteers safely accommodating 294 people in Moree overnight.

"We are committed to this response for the long term," said ADRA Australia's CEO, Jonathan Duffy. "Our supporters have been extremely generous, but the amount of work to be done is almost incomprehensible."

Donations can be made to ADRA Australia's Queensland Flood Appeal online or by calling 1800 242 372. In the event that there is an excess of donations not used in response to the flooding in Queensland and surrounding areas, these funds will be committed to ADRA Australia's ongoing emergency management activities.

In the past twelve months ADRA Australia has responded to numerous national emergencies including south NSW floods and the Lennox Head tornado, along with international disasters including the Haitian earthquake and Pakistan floods. ADRA Australia currently holds formal agreements to provide emergency accommodation during times of disaster in New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

ADRA Australia implements a wide range of development and emergency response program at home and overseas. ADRA Australia works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

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Publicly posted contact on Relief Web:

Telephone: +1 301 680 6373
FAX: +1 301 680 6397
E-mail: julio.munoz @ adra.org