People from around Inverell have generously supported the Victorian Bushfire Appeal with donations flooding in from across the region.

The Inverell RSL Sub-Branch and RSL Auxiliary have made donations to both the Victorian Fire Appeal and Queensland Flood Appeal through the Inverell Salvation Army.

The RSL Sub-Branch has donated $2000 to both the fire and flood appeal and the auxiliary has given $1000 to the fire appeal.

President of the Sub-Branch, Peter Morris said he wanted to thank the people of Inverell for trusting the Sub-Branch to pass on their donations to worthwhile causes.

“This is our way of saying thanks to the public for donating money to us over the years , we wanted to do something to help the people who are suffering in both Victoria and Queensland.

The military has a strong relationship with the Salvation Army and we have given the money to them to distribute as they are quite often the unsung heroes of any disaster, first on the ground and last to leave.”

Captain Chris Millard of the Salvation Army said the Salvation Army had already spent more than $1 million on the ground at Victoria and he was humbled by the response.

“It always humbles me to see such generosity and I thank the Inverell people for supporting us.”

The Inverell Chamber of Commerce has begun to organise a benefit concert for the whole community to be held on Saturday March 28 featuring local artists, food and other entertainments.

Students, parents and teachers from Inverell High School have raised more than $1000 from fundraising at a morning tea and through collections by the students. Inverell Public School has also been busily fundraising by holding a series of events.

The first of these was an out of uniform day on Friday, February 13. This day raised $866 including a donation from the residents of the Sapphire City Caravan Park of $126. The school also held a cake and spider stall on Wednesday February 19.

Students from Delungra, Gum Flat and Gilgai schools raised more than $380 on Friday February 13 with a coin line.

“The kids have all been very interested and upset about what has happened in Victoria, and they raided their piggy banks and Christmas money to donate to help children like themselves,” Gilgai Public teacher Evelyn Hoey said.

© 2009 Inverell Times

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