A ST Vincent de Paul Society appeal to raise funds for those affected by the Tasmanian bushfires has received support from Brisbane archdiocese’s vicar general Monsignor Peter Meneely.
The Tasmanian branch of the society launched the Vinnies Bushfire Appeal following devastating fires which have destroyed more than 130 homes and various public buildings since January 4.
A Victorian firefighter Peter Ronald Cramer, 61, lost his life battling bushfires on the Tasman Peninsula on January 13.
Msgr Meneely in a notice to all archdiocesan parishes suggested the possibility of a retiring collection at Masses for the bushfire victims.
“I’m sure your parish will join in prayer … to pray for the people and communities so deeply affected by these fires,” he wrote.
“On behalf of the Archbishop (Mark Coleridge), I’d like to thank you in advance for your care and concern for those bushfire victims who are suffering at this time.”
The St Vincent de Paul Society’s acting state president in Queensland Robert Leach said the society in Tasmania “has received many calls for assistance due to the devastating bushfires”.
“Our Tasmanian counterparts have pledged to help in the long-term recovery of the communities affected by this tragedy, helping them to rebuild their lives with financial and material aid,” he said.
“The ongoing assistance will include emotional support, friendship and home visitation.
“All donations need to go directly to the society in Tasmania and as such online donations, cheques or telephone donations are the only means of assisting at this time.”
Parishes and individual parish members wishing to support the appeal can go to www.vinnies.org.au/tas, phone 131 812 (24 hours) or contact (03) 6333 0822 (during business hours).
Donations by cheque should be sent directly to the St Vincent de Paul Society Tasmania by mail at 191 Invermay Road, Invermay Tas, 7248.
