PRESS RELEASE: THE BUSHFIRES AREN’T SLOWING DOWN AND NEITHER WILL OUR RESPONSE

Help is arriving from overseas as Samaritan’s Purse
Australia ramp up their response
SYDNEY, NSW, JAN 6, 2020 –Samaritan’s Purse have been providing help to families in bushfire affected since September in regions in QLD and NSW. However, due to the unprecedented nature of these bushfires Samaritan’s Purse have now increased their response:
1. Samaritan’s Purse staff and volunteers have arrived from overseas. The first group from Samaritan’s Purse Canada arrived this week. More will arrive from Canada in the coming days and a team from the U.S. are expected to arrive soon after.
2. Samaritan’s Purse are now working in multiple locations around Australia. These areas currently include regions around East Gippsland, VIC and South Coast NSW.
“We know the level of devastation wildfires bring to communities here in Canada. Our hearts break as we see their impact across Australia… As we pray for rain, we are equipped and eager to send Canadian resources and experience to help families recover from these fires.” said Brent Davis, Samaritan’s Purse’s director of Canadian ministry projects.
“The outflowing of Australians offering to volunteer has been overwhelming. As more and more are affected by these fires communities are eager to get out and help. We’re focused on equipping teams and working with church groups and other partners to provide assistance in Jesus’ name.” Dan Stephens, Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Response Manager Australia and New Zealand
Volunteers help families to clear their property, remove debris, chop up fallen trees, sift through ash and provide emotional support in Jesus’ Name. All assistance is offered free of charge. Samaritan’s Purse is still looking for more volunteers, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.au/volunteerwithsp

Downloadable Media content:
Videos, images and audio files: https://www.dropbox.com/work/Samaritans%20Purse%20Media%20Content

Organise an interview with:
Dan Stephens – Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Response Manager Australia and New Zealand
Dave Ingram – Executive Director Samaritan’s Purse Australia and New Zealand
Media Contact:
Erin Pollard – [email protected] (email preferred to coordinate interview)
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