St. Vincent de Paul Society (Tas), welcomes Bishops’ Australia Day weekend commitment to Vinnies’ National Bushfire Appeal

The State President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (Tas), Mr Mark Gaetani, has welcomed the announcement that the Catholic parishes across Australia will take up special, dedicated collections for the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal on the Australia Day long weekend.

Speaking about the announcement, Mr Gaetani said that although Tasmania has not suffered the devastating loss of lives and properties because of the  bushfires, most Tasmanians would know someone who has.

“The bushfires are a national tragedy, which have affected so many members of our Vinnies communities across Australia. Vinnies Tasmania is encouraging people to give generously to support the work of the Society in those communities devastated by the crisis,” Mr Gaetani said.

“The Society very much appreciates this initiative by the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference to coordinate this fundraising event. The focus on the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal, will raise much needed cash at a time of great need,” he added.

“People have been so generous with their offers of help on the ground, but our immediate and urgent need is cash donations to help provide necessities such as fuel, clothing, and food to help rebuild lives and communities. Every dollar donated goes directly to people and communities in need.

“The scope of the bushfire disaster is unprecedented; but Vinnies volunteers and staff are on the ground across all states and territories affected by the crisis. We are doing whatever we can to help those in need.

“As many Tasmanians are aware, Vinnies is part of an integrated, whole-of-community response the Federal Government has called upon to offer immediate assistance, as well as further help in the weeks and months ahead. Vinnies is working with other lead agencies to assist people whose lives have been devastated by the fires.

“The Society is also working with Catholic Religious Australia, Catholic Social Services Australia, the National Catholic Education Commission and Catholic Health Australia in this joint effort to maximise our fundraising efforts so we can help more families and communities,” Mr Gaetani said.

Donations from the parish plate on the Australia Day weekend to the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal will be sent to the National Council’s gift fund and distributed to affected communities as a matter of urgency. Donations can also be made by visiting the Vinnies website: www.vinnies.org.au.