Victorian Bushfire Appeal Tasmanian service clubs top the nation
Victorian Bushfire Appeal Tasmanian service clubs top the nation
30 March 2009
published by www.australia.to
Australia —
Premier David Bartlett today congratulated Tasmanian Lions, Rotary and Apex clubs for driving the State Government towards a total contribution of $1 million dollars for the victims of the Victorian bushfires.
This is one occasion when I can say that I am truly pleased that, someone has extracted every possible dollar from the State.
In February the Premier announced the Government would commit up to $1 million dollars in funds to assist victims of the Victorian bushfires.
$250,000 upfront to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal with a further donation of up to $750,000 available to match funds raised by Lions, Rotary and Apex clubs, up until the 30th of March.
It is with great pride I can advise that Tasmanians have once again shown that the smallest state has the biggest heart.
Through the efforts of your clubs and the people that you have partnered with, you have raised around $890,000 to support the victims of the Victorian bushfires.
While total figures arent yet available, I am told that already the amount raised by Lions is higher than any other State or Territory.
Rotary Tasmania has raised more than any other Rotary district in Australia while local Apex clubs have also made a mammoth effort, Mr Bartlett said.
I believe service clubs are the heart of local communities which is why I wanted to involve Lions, Rotary and Apex in the State Governments funding commitment.
In times of human tragedy like the Victorian bushfires, service clubs are there long after the news headlines offering support and helping communities rebuild.
The involvement of Lions, Rotary and Apex has maximised the amount of money that will flow from Tasmania to those affected by these terrible fires, Mr Bartlett said.
Funds have been raised right across the state through events like concerts, auctions, bbqs, raffles and fund raising in schools.
Service organisations are still collating advice from all their clubs however preliminary figures are:
Rotary – $520,000
Lions – $316,000
Apex – $ 50,000
Final figures are expected by the end of the month.
It is this sort of effort that makes me proud to be a Tasmanian.
To all involved – from the service clubs who have put on events and collected the funds to the individuals who have donated a big thank you, Mr Bartlett said.
