Kerry Symons, Executive Director, Australian Red Cross, South Australia, says the South Australian November Flood Appeal has been set up in cooperation with the State Government to help flood victims.

“Our role under the Emergency Management Act in these urgent situations is to work with State Government as part of its emergency response capabilities,” said Ms Symons.

“We have been working cooperatively with Government and its agencies in the initial emergency response phase. Now, we have been asked to help coordinate fundraising efforts for those in need in the affected areas.”

Ms Symons said all funds raised under the South Australian November Flood Appeal will go to aid victims under provisions of the State Emergency Relief Fund which is legislated by the Emergency Management Act 2004.

“We are asking people for their generous financial support in order to help those in the area who have been hard hit and now find themselves in a critical situation,” said Ms Symons.

People can ring toll free on the Red Cross South Australian November Flood Appeal line on 1800 811 700 or can visit http://www.redcross.org.au/ to make a donation to aid flood victims.

Ms Symons said Red Cross is accepting cash donations and will be absorbing all administrative costs associated in running the special appeal.

In addition to fundraising efforts, Red Cross emergency volunteers have also brought special support services into action during the severe flooding.

These efforts include activation of the National Registration and Inquiry System (NRIS) where Red Cross volunteers meet, greet and register affected people at the flood recovery centre located in the Virginia Institute Building. 

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW:
Kerry Symons, Executive Director, South Australia, 0438 820 096