Long-term care mission

FLOOD-AFFECTED Townsville residents are set to receive around 10,500 donations through GIVIT’S Queensland Floods Appeal.

The not-for-profit’s appeal, run in partnership with the Queensland Government and affected regional councils, has already seen more than 9000 items distributed to those in need.

GIVIT’S founder and director Juliette Wright said the donations continued to flow in.

“Every essential item that you can think of: beds, linen, kettles, fridges, washing machines and lots of cleaning products,” Ms Wright said.

“We’ve only just started; we are here for the long-term recovery of all the affected communities.”

Ms Wright said her team had experience in scaling up to manage needs after natural disasters.

“GIVIT works directly with outreach teams, local charities, community groups and councils in the impacted regions.

“These outreach groups identify exactly what is needed and GIVIT provides the assist- ance to get affected people exactly what they need, when they need it most.”

Up to $420,000 has already been raised for those in need, with 100 per cent of the profits to be spent locally.

“We are going to spread the love … we do know that the businesses we work with are very grateful for GIVIT’S support.”

Ms Wright gave a special shout out to the Mad Cow tavern, Kirwan’s Muscle and Fitness Gym, Muffin Break, Northern Skin Studio, Malpara Florist, Reading Cinemas Townsville and Latin Vibrations Dance Studio for their support.

Ms Wright was also grateful to IGA for donating more than $100,000 worth of gift cards for GIVIT to distribute via their charities. She said 20 corporates had also donated significant funding.

“We want to channel the generosity of people to what is actually needed.” Ms Wright said she had been blown away by Townsville’s community spirit.

“Townsville has been incredibly generous to other communities including the Whitsundays when they were devastated by Cyclone Debbie,” she said.

“Now it’s Queensland’s turn to take care of Townsville.”

Visit givit.org.au to see what is urgently needed or donate at givit.org.au/qldfloods

Pictures: EVAN MORGAN TARGETED HELP: Rotary Club of Townsville president Geoff Gelling, Domain Central centre manager Sandy Corbett and GIVIT volunteer Elly Mccormick with some of the donated goods; (right), GIVIT founder and director Juliette Wright.