With hundreds of homes still uninhabitable from the severe storms in the Ipswich area, national online charity GIVIT is coordinating requests for assistance with donors who want to help provide exactly what’s needed by people impacted by the natural disaster.
Ipswich City Council is working with GIVIT to help give support to those affected as services are still being accessed by residents.
Mayor Harding noted that impacted families are now relying on ongoing support from the community.
“Many residents are staying with friends, families, neighbours or in other temporary accommodation while they wait for repairs to start,” Mayor Harding said.
“I have written to the Insurance Council of Australia, and the Queensland Building and Construction Commissioner, to highlight our community’s needs on the long road to recovery.
“It’s Christmas time and our thoughts are with those who have had their lives turned upside down by the unprecedented hailstorm.
“I encourage those who can to consider donating via GIVIT to support members of our community who are in need of a little helping hand this festive season.
The Insurance Council of Australia has provided an updated report, confirming they have received more than 27,500 claims from the storms with losses now estimated at $500 million.
GIVIT Queensland manager Jo Beadle said giving the right help at the right time to people who really need it is the smart way to give.
“One hundred percent of cash donations we receive we aim to spend locally, easing the need for delivery coordination while local businesses will also benefit from the donation,” Ms Beadle said.
“GIVIT supports the long-term recovery, we expect to receive more requests for support over the coming weeks and months.”
There are currently 45 requests for support published which include items such as grocery vouchers, furniture, computers, whitegoods, linen and kitchen appliances.
During the storm aftermath there were more than 2,100 calls for SES assistance in Ipswich with teams from all over Queensland, and as far away as South Australia, sending volunteers.
Energex also reported over 3,000 power outages during the storm and the QFES fire and rescue crew conducted almost 1,700 damage assessments in the Ipswich area.
Council established The Ipswich Hail Event community information page on Shape Your Ipswich to provide advice and assistance for the thousands of Ipswich residents affected by the storm. The page has received 1,258 views.
More than 2,000 people are estimated to have been provided with support at the YMCA Springfield Community Centre, which opened on Sunday, 1 November as a drop-in support centre.
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To donate or more information about GIVIT’s Severe Storms Appeal, visit GIVIT.org.au/severe-storms.