THE Lions Club of Kerang has launched an appeal for donations from the public to assist with the relief and recovery of the victims of the bushfires in eastern Victoria.
The club will be operating a collection table outside Walkers IGA in Victoria Street, Kerang today and will be outside the National Bank next Friday.
Donations can also be dropped off at Graeme Hayes Real Estate, in Wellington Street.
District treasurer Peter Niall said Lions clubs in Corryong, Wala-Jinjellic and Bright, amongst other places, have been playing a vital role in providing food, shelter and clothing to people caught in the bushfire areas.
The local groups were receiving support from the Lions network worldwide, he said, with Lions International contributing close to $500,000 to Australian districts, and around $14,500 in emergency funding to the local district, which covers East Gippsland.
Mr Niall said the funds were being distributed to clubs involved in directly assisting victims of the fires.
“What Lions do is distribute money to the people on the ground who need it most,” he said.
“The district administration will be issuing vouchers through the local clubs, just as we did for the Kerang floods in 2011, for everyday supplies such as food, care/health products, personal hygiene items and everyday comforts which most of us take for granted and which will assist with the victims mental wellbeing.”
However, the current local fundraising drive is aimed at raising funds in order to provide longer-term support, Mr Niall said.
“With the floods here in Kerang it was a good 12 months before people were in their houses and getting back to life as normal.
“It’ll probably take even longer in these bushfire areas because pastures are gone.”
Kerang Lions President Graeme Hayes echoed the message about the need for long-term support.
“More help will be needed after the first responders have completed their magnificent work and the victims return home, or to what is left of home, and start to rebuild their lives,” he said.
“That is when the Lions on the ground will do their best work and funds will be needed to distribute to affected families and individuals.”
Fencing and feed were two areas the Lions would be assisting with, the club said.
