Red Cross rallies to support Nepal’s disaster recovery effort

MEMBERS of Tea Gardens’ branch of the Red Cross ran their annual Father’s Day raffle last Saturday, the latest in a series of events locally and regionally that support humanity more globally.

Nicko Baker, of Myall Lakes Butchery, drew the raffle, with the three prizes won by locals from Tea Gardens and Karuah.

The local Red Cross Branch will send the $1500 proceeds to help the rescue, clean-up and other humanitarian efforts in Nepal following the devastating flash flooding last month.

Nepal Red Cross Society has mobilised emergency response teams across affected communities, working alongside government authorities and Red Cross and Red Crescent partners to provide life-saving assistance.

Australian Red Cross is also deploying specialist support to assist the response on the ground, with additional personnel and expertise ready to be mobilised as needs evolve.

Red Cross teams and volunteers continue to support affected communities as humanitarian needs emerge and change.

Several local Red Cross members joined with Red Cross Emergency Services personnel at a special Training Day and forum held at Maitland earlier this year, while Red Cross Sunday was held in May.

More recently, Red Cross and other volunteer group members explained why they joined and what they do as volunteers during a Volunteers’ Week service held at the Tea Gardens Baptist Church.

Just as the rains hit earlier this year, local Red Cross Branch members took a trip out to Destiny Haven, a rehabilitation centre where women are taught life skills and sell the wares they create.

“They make the most delicious chocolate,” Red Cross member Janet Baker said.

The branch also runs a knitting group on the fourth Tuesday to build and prepare Trauma Teddies handed out by ambulance and medical staff, and welcomes volunteers.

Tea Gardens Red Cross meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 10:30am at the Uniting Church hall on Myall Street, Tea Gardens.

By Thomas O’KEEFE