Environment

Rudd, Red Cross Launch Bushfire Appeal

by Jordan Yerman | February 8, 2009 at 09:21 am

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Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has pledged army support for the firefighters battling the bushfires that are ravaging Victoria.

Also, Rudd pledged AU$14 million in federal funds to assist those forced from their homes by the fires. Victoria Premier John Brumby is also reaching out to the public for donations via the newly-created 2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund.

Rudd pledged the army would join efforts to overcome the bushfires, adding that special welfare payments would be made available to those in need.

"Hell and all its fury has visited the good people of Victoria in the last 24 hours," he told reporters in the fire-ravaged Yarra Valley.

"Many good people now lie dead. Many others lie injured.

"This is an appalling tragedy for Victoria but because of that it's an appalling tragedy for the nation," he said.

The Victorian Government and the Federal Government will donate $4 million to the appeal, in addition to the $10 million announced earlier today by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.

The money will go to people who were seriously injured or hospitalised, and to those who have lost their homes.

Eligible adults will receive $1,000, and an additional $400 payment will be made per child.

Australians can reach the Red Cross at 1800.811.700 to donate, or visit The Australian Red Cross website.

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Paschen

at 16:53 on February 9th, 2009

We will need a lot of volunteers to rebuild those Houses and Towns. Habitat for Humanity and similar organizations are looking for volunteers already.

http://www.habitat.org.au/Page.aspx?pid=193