PREMIUM
News

River Relief reaches $45,000

author avatar
Generous: Moama RSL hosted a raffle event where all profits were donated to River Relief. Photo by Steve Huntley

More than $45,000 has been raised by River Relief.

The large-scale fundraiser, which launched in November, has now sold more than 1000 shirts and 100 stubby holders.

River Relief co-ordinator Lou Conway said she had been amazed by the generosity of the community.

Rich River Golf Club, Moama Bowling Club and Echuca Workers are just a handful of the many organisations that rallied behind the fundraiser.

“Moama RSL held a raffle and fundraising day for us where 100 per cent of profits went to River Relief,” Ms Conway said.

“But it’s not just about the bigger businesses, there were a number of small businesses who either donated to the fundraiser directly or donated their services and products towards the raffle.

“Echuca Printers donated hours and hours of their time to print the designs on all of the shirts.”

The T-shirt’s logo incorporates three of the region’s main rivers — the Murray, the Campaspe and the Goulburn.

This was done on purpose so that every flood-impacted person in the region, whether in NSW or Victoria, could access the funds if needed.

Ms Conway partnered with Echuca Moama Apex Club because it is an organisation that can disperse funds across both states.

Once a T-shirt has been purchased, profits will be transferred to the club, which will then send donations to successful applicants.

To apply, a person may nominate themselves or someone else by filling out a simple, user-friendly application form.

On the form, applicants can disclose the type of assistance they require; for instance, whether they need a new fridge, a pressure washer or dehumidifier.

If the applicant is successful, Apex will then pay for the item.

Echuca Moama Apex Club will be meeting at the end of January to collate all the applications and begin providing financial assistance to those in need.

But some community members have already reached out for help.

“Majority are from Rochester but we’ve also had some from Echuca and Moama as well,” Ms Conway said.

“We were able to provide those who had reached out with grocery vouchers to take a bit of pressure away from them.”

The final date to order the T-shirts will be Sunday, January 22.

To fill out a simple application form or to purchase a $30 River Relief T-shirt, visit https://www.riverrelief.com.au/