SANDGATE ELECTORATE BUZZING WITH FLOOD VOLUNTEERS
14 January 2011
A monster garage sale and community fundraiser is being organised so that locals have a chance to donate to Queensland flood victims.
Vicky Darling, MP for Sandgate, said that Bracken Ridge Lions Club had offered to help her coordinate the huge fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday 13 February with final the venue to be announced shortly.
"Many people in the local area have been watching as this natural disaster creeps closer and closer to our doorstep," Ms Darling said.
"They want desperately to help those in need but not everyone can get in to shovel dirt and mop floors," she said.
"The Sandgate Electorate Community Flood Fundraiser will provide an opportunity for everyone to contribute in some small way to the flood relief, and collectively I know it will provide a major boost to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal."
Ms Darling said that local charities had been inundated with donations of clothes and furniture and could no longer cope with the sorting, storage and transportation of so many goods.
"Instead, I am calling for community organisations or groups of individuals to volunteer to coordinate a part of our fundraiser," she said.
"Volunteer organisations would become the collection point for a particular product, organise, display and sell the products on the day."
Ms Darling said she was looking for volunteer organisations to coordinate the collection of the following goods:
Business donations, which will be auctioned off at a silent auction on the day;
Art works;
Craft;
Clothes (second hand);
Toys;
Books (second hand);
Food stalls.
One hundred per cent of the money raised will go flood victims.
Secretary of Bracken Ridge Lions, Sharon O'Sullivan, said the club was thrilled to help organise the Sandgate Electorate Community Flood Fundraiser and would be an official collection point for the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.
Organisations volunteering to coordinate their part of the fundraiser should contact Vicky Darling on 32697018, email sandgate@parliament.qld.gov.au, or contact Sharon O'Sullivan on 0466 358 696, email brackenridgelions@gmail.com
"I congratulate those local organisations that have already organised their own fundraisers, such as the Brighton Bowls Club and Bracken Ridge Indoor Sports, which are both holding events on Australia Day, and I know there will be many more."
Ms Darling said that people who could help with the physical clean up, can register to be involved.
Over 10,000 have registered with Volunteering Queensland to help with the flood clean up.
It is important people register through volunteering Queensland so people’s skills and location can be matched to the organisations and places that need them most.
Register online at http://www.emergencyvolunteering.com.au or call 1800 994 100.
