Australia’s Star Entertainment Group has donated $100,000 to its national charity partner, online donation platform GIVIT, to support those impacted by the devastating floods across eastern parts of the country.
The platform is calling for help to those impacted, but is urging people to use their website as uncoordinated donations can hamper services on the ground.
Geoff Hogg, Star Entertainment Group’s Chief Casino Officer for Queensland, commented: “We moved quickly to support GIVIT so in turn they can target immediate help to those that need it most.
“We are proud to be part of the Brisbane and Gold Coast communities and have seen first-hand the devastating scenes of loss and destruction.
“Recovery is now the focus and we want to assist GIVIT as they work tirelessly to get south east Queensland flood victims back on their feet.”
In partnership with the Queensland Government, GIVIT is managing offers of donated goods, services, volunteering and funds, including corporate offers, in response to the widespread flooding across Queensland and New South Wales.
Sarah Tennant, GIVIT CEO, explained: “We’re so grateful to The Star Entertainment Group for their generous donation to assist the many thousands of people across Queensland affected by this disaster.
“With communities significantly impacted, homes left uninhabitable and many more with severe damage, GIVIT is working with support organisations on the ground as they assess need and advise what critical and immediate material support is required.
“Hundreds of Australians have already donated to this appeal including tents and sleeping bags and essential items for people displaced across South East Queensland.”
Adding: “Please do not take donations into impacted areas. We work directly with councils, outreach teams, charities and community groups to identify exactly what’s needed, without overwhelming charities and frontline services on the ground.”
In Queensland, GIVIT is assisting impacted local government areas including Brisbane, Fraser Coast, Gold Coast, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
In New South Wales, the group is working with the NSW Government to ensure donations are managed to support all impacted communities.