The Federation of Sri Lankan Organisations of Queensland is driving a fundraising appeal to help residents affected by the floods that swamped South-East Queensland and regional centres in late February.
The campaign, launched by the FSOQ and its member organisations, is in response to Queensland Premier Anastasia Palaszcuk’s appeal for Queenslanders to dig deep to help flood-affected residents and businesses get back on their feet.
The damage bill from the floods that swept through Brisbane, Maryborough, Gympie, the Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Toowoomba, Ipswich, Logan City and the Gold Coast, is expected to exceed $2.5 billion.
The Queensland Government kick-started the appeal in March by pledging $2.1 million to be split among five charities – $500,000 each to Australian Red Cross, Lifeline Queensland, The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul Society to help in their recovery efforts. An additional $100,000 donation will go to GIVIT, an organisation that has a wide-ranging scope in charitable endeavours.
FSOQ president Dr Jay Weerawardena said no target had been set for the local appeal. Any funds collected would be handed over to the Premier for distribution to charities.
The Sri Lankan community of Brisbane has a long history of responding well to disaster relief appeals. In 2006, funds were raised for those affected by cyclone Larry and handed over to the then Premier of Queensland Anna Bligh. In 2011, the Sri Lankan community in Queensland again rallied to raise $20,000 for people affected by the devastating Brisbane floods.
These responses were in reciprocation to the Queensland Government’s generosity in funding the construction of 225 houses in Sri Lanka to help residents displaced following the 2004 tsunami that claimed more than 30,000 lives.
FSOQ secretary Jayasiri Weerawardena said, that in these challenging times, any small donation would be gratefully accepted. All contributions would be acknowledged and progressive totals published on this website.
Details of how to donate are in the flyer below.
