Australia Post, together with Australian Red Cross is helping to support communities affected by disaster with Post Offices across the country now accepting donations for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Response and Recovery Fund.
The funds raised will help Australian Red Cross deploy specialist emergency volunteers, provide psychological first aid and support at evacuation centres, and help people get in touch with loved ones when disaster strikes.
In its role as National Community Partner and Official Postal and Logistics provider, Australia Post is ensuring Australian Red Cross is ready and has the resources to activate response services directly to affected areas when needed.
"We have a large presence in rural and remote Australia and we're often known as the place where communities come together to stay connected," said Nicole Sheffield, Executive General Manager of Community and Consumer.
"We know it can be an extremely emotional time for people impacted by the devastation of disasters and our partnership with Australian Red Cross is another way Australia Post can help communities when they need it most.
"I want to recognise and give my heartfelt thanks to all those who donate to support Australian Red Cross and these communities, and also to the emergency services and volunteers who work around the clock to protect people in these areas."
Andrew Coghlan, Head of Emergency Services at Australian Red Cross says thousands of trained Red Cross volunteers are standing by to help community members in disaster affected areas in the immediate aftermath and support their recovery in the longer term.
"We live in one of the most disaster prone regions in the world and our trained emergency services volunteers and staff are ready to assist. They are experts in their field and many have lived through fire, floods or cyclones in their own communities.
"A donation to the Disaster Response and Recovery Fund means Red Cross teams can continue to be there to help people during emergencies here in Australia.
"It means we can get our Red Cross teams out on the road to prepare people for emergencies, provide support as they happen and help them recover afterwards."
Anyone wishing to donate to Australian Red Cross emergency service teams can do so over the counter at participating Post Offices, or by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Donations can also be made online at www.redcross.org.au or by calling 1800-RED-CROSS (733 276) (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
