PRESS RELEASE: Samaritan’s Purse Responding to COVID-19 Crisis in Australia
Australian Disaster Relief aids vulnerable communities struggling with the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sydney, NSW May 20, 2020—Samaritan’s Purse is responding to the ensuing economic impacts of COVID-19 by partnering with churches across Australia to provide essential groceries and supplies, and offer immediate relief to people without work and basic living necessities.
The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting millions of Australians. The health crisis and economic impacts are magnifying the vulnerabilities of those already in dire situations because of illness, unemployment and poverty. Many low-income families, elderly communities, immigrants and international students across the country are out of work and hungry.
To help alleviate this burden, in the midst of closed borders and restricted movement, Samaritan’s Purse is working through local partnerships already on the ground. The disaster relief organisation is helping local churches in New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia provide food hampers, hygiene products and emergency care packs to communities and families in need.
“Local churches know the specific needs of their community better than anyone,” said Dan Stephens, disaster response manager of Samaritan’s Purse. “By working together, we can equip the church to continue reaching those hardest hit in their communities.”
These families and communities will be dealing with the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for months to come, and we are continuing to support them through local churches to help them recover.
“One girl came to our food depot in tears,” said Aristotle, pastor of a partner church in NSW. “She couldn’t believe there are people like us who are truly interested in helping her.”
Samaritan’s Purse has also responded internationally to the coronavirus pandemic by deploying emergency field hospitals in Italy and the United States, and providing hygiene training and medical support to countries in Southeast Asia.
Media Opportunities:
Interview: Dan Stephens, Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand Disaster Response Manager
Media Contact:
Nikita Kumar
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0434 319 722
Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war, disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.au
