In response to the NSW flooding disaster inundating so many communities on the east coast this past week, SchoolAid has launched its "Bail out a Buddy" flood appeal.
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The campaign is calling on Australian schools to pass around a bailing bucket to raise money for the communities that have been affected by this disaster.
SchoolAid was founded in Bega in 1999 by Sean Gordon OAM while he was principal at St Patrick's Primary as well as a local controller of the SES.
Mr Gordon said his organisation supported Tathra Public School after the 2018 bushfire as well as other local projects following the widespread bushfires last year.
SchoolAid's last major flood appeal was for Queensland in 2011 and was supported by the Australian Primary Principals Association as well as the state government.
"Nationally, we raised some $950 000 and delivered loads of assistance to projects across Queensland especially through school communities," Mr Gordon told ACM.
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Now with floods affecting much of east coast NSW, Mr Gordon said SchoolAid was again partnering with APPA to deliver help to those in need.
"The impact of these waters won't be seen until the flood waters recede and so many families are facing a terrible Easter cleaning up and discovering just how much they have lost."
President of APPA Malcolm Elliott said this was an extraordinary disaster impacting so many families, businesses, farms and schools.
"I encourage all schools across Australia to pass around a collection bucket before the Easter break to help out," Mr Elliott said.
SchoolAid works with local school principals, community groups and agencies to identify projects and get funding to organisations and individuals.
Previously, SchoolAid has focused its efforts on the education sector and directed funds towards back-to-school supplies, including clothing and shoes.
this time around it will also prioritise school resources such as vegetable gardens and outdoor learning spaces that have been washed away but possibly not covered by insurance.
Once collected at schools, donations can be made via the Bail out a Buddy page on the SchoolAid website.
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