Beyond Bank Launches Bushfire Appeal
6 January 2015 at 10:07 am
Customer-owned financial institution, Beyond Bank Australia, has launched a Bushfire Appeal to raise funds for residents of South Australia devastated by the fires.
The Beyond Bank Australia Foundation has kick-started the appeal with a donation of $20,000.
All the funds raised via the bank appeal will be dispersed to individuals and families in affected areas in South Australia through the State Government emergency support fund and Country Fire Service (CFS) Foundation.
The South Australian fires have burnt more than 12,000 hectares and destroyed or badly damaged 26 homes so far.
Authorities have continued to assess the damage from the fire, which started on Friday afternoon in an area known as Sampson Flat, with the number of houses destroyed expected to climb.
Beyond Bank Chief Executive Officer, Robert Keogh, said the appeal will provide financial support to the residents of South Australia in this time of need.
“While more hot conditions and wild weather is predicted for South Australia over the coming days, and the immediate danger for locals is not over, the painful process of letting residents visit their homes to see what’s been lost has begun,” Keogh said.
“The Beyond Bank Australia Bush Fire Appeal will help provide support to affected residents during the rebuilding process.
“The funds raised through the appeal will assist the South Australian Government Emergency Support Fund and the CFS Foundation in providing much needed support to those among us who have suffered losses and need to rebuild their lives.
“The funding will also support CFS and their volunteers with the amazing work they do throughout fire season. Please get in touch with Beyond Bank Australia if you wish to support the appeal – every little bit helps.”
The CFS Foundation’s Chair, Mr Tom Phillips AM, welcomed the donation on behalf of the bushfire-affected regions of South Australia, and in particular the Mount Lofty Ranges where we have seen the worst damage.
“The CFS Foundation is working around the clock and supporting as many people as possible during this distressing time. We appreciate any donation given to the Bushfire Appeal because it helps us with our important and critical work,” Phillips said.
“It’s at times like this we always see so many amazing people pulling together to help others. There have already been countless demonstrations over the last few days where we have seen exactly that and I am sure we will see many more as the community comes together to support each other. We thank Beyond Bank Australia for their support.”
Since the weekend humanitarian Not for Profit Red Cross has been registering people affected by the South Australian bush fires to help them reconnect with their loved ones and is providing psychosocial support to those in need.
It is also calling for donations for its emergency response and recovery work.
