More than a month after communities first braced themselves for flooding, Moama resident Lou Conway has come up with the creative and innovative concept to sell T-shirts in an effort to raise money for those who have been hit hard by the floods.
The large-scale River Relief fundraiser was launched on Friday, with 100 per cent of profits going towards flood-impacted communities.
Ms Conway was inspired by a T-shirt fundraiser that she had seen in Christchurch after a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake shook the city in 2011 and tragically resulted in 185 people losing their lives.
“In 2011, I was living in New Zealand. I purchased a shirt to support the cause, but it was more than that. It was a symbol of hope and unity,” Ms Conway said.
“I wore that shirt for a good couple of years because it reminded me of a time when people reached out to others, offered kindness, support and practical help.
“These memories have led me to this fundraising campaign.
“Our purpose is to raise money for our communities in need of an extra helping hand during the aftermath of our devastating floods.”
With a simple yet well-thought-out T-shirt design, the logo purposely incorporates three of the region’s main rivers — the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn.
Ms Conway said it was incredibly important for her to be able to create an inclusive campaign.
“I wanted the money that was raised to be available for access by individuals and groups in all flood-affected areas,” she said.
“Although some affected areas are hundreds of kilometres apart, one thing that we have in common is the almighty power of our rivers and surrounding waters.”
Ms Conway has partnered up with Echuca Moama Apex Club for the duration of the fundraiser as it is an organisation that can disperse funds across both Victoria and NSW.
Once a T-shirt has been purchased, profits will be transferred to the club, which will then disperse donations out 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 deemed successful, Apex will then pay for the item.
Echuca Moama Apex Club president Scott Turner said the club was “proud to partnering” with Ms Conway to raise funds, which would help “our communities get back on their feet”.
The T-shirts will be on sale for $30 and will be available in 17 sizes.
To fill out an application form or to purchase a River Relief T-shirt visit: https://www.riverrelief.com.au/
Alternatively, a small supply of T-shirts can be purchased from Echuca’s Customs House Gallery.