Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation

Since beginning of 2012, Wagga Wagga in southwest NSW is facing its most severe flooding in 125 years. With nearly 10,000 residents forced off their homes and thousand houses in the vicinity damaged by floods, volunteers from Tzu Chi Foundation offered their help.

On March 7th to 9th and 15th to 19th, they went to North Wagga Wagga, Griffith, and Yenda to assess the extent of the damages and what they can do to help. In the process, a limited amount of aid materiel was handed out to 154 affected families. In total, 437 blankets, 154 first aid kits, and 186 cash cards with face values of $86,400 were distributed to 437 residents with the help of 35 volunteers.

Another distribution was held on March 25th at the Yenda Digger Club for the 232 families in Yenda and Yoogali areas. In total, 583 blankets, 228 first aid kits, and 214 cash cards with face values of $107,500 were distributed to affected residents. With their main industries of agriculture and grazing devastated by floods, primary producers suffer significant economic losses and their employees face endangered job future. Due to its topography, water will recede slowly at Yenda. Recovery will be long and arduous.

As part of its assistance program, Tzu Chi has commenced a series of fundraising appeals through its 6 offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide, and Perth.

For more information please visit: http://www.tzuchi.org.au/en