Convoy of Hope Australia

 

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Isabel shares this message from Joel A’Bell, “Convoy of Hope, Australia’ 

As a faith-based, nonprofit organization, Convoy of Hope helps empower others to live with greater independence and freedom from poverty, disease, and hunger.

These fires have ravaged our eastern seaboard and we are hurting with all Australians. I know we can’t do everything but we feel the incredible responsibility to do something. The Red Cross simply asked us to source respiratory masks for the community, so we jumped into gear and had several thousand overnight because of so many people who have generously responded to our donor page.

We drove down to Ulladulla last night and were not sure how far we would get. The smell of smoke overwhelmed our senses but we pulled over to see the bright shining light of a church steeple in Milton.

After a chance meeting with local (swimming) residents this morning, Isabel encouraged us to head to the Ulladulla civic center for more information. On arrival, we bumped into Mayor, Amanda Finley, who sent a photo of us to emergency services blocking the road into Lake Conjola, to grant us access.

A slow drive around Conjola Park left us speechless. Both the sights and smells were indescribable. The first family I met had just returned to search the ruined ashes for any possible memories. Then we met Shane & Lisa Allen, and their daughter Brittany. These guys have marquee tents setup outside their home with ample supplies for their burnt community. We stayed for hours and eventually setup our shower truck, sponsored by OneVoice.

We came down to help today and left with full hearts as we saw first hand the resilient spirit of Australians, with another strong reminder that hope will prevail.

Thanks for having us Shoalhaven. See you next week, Joel and the Convoy team.

 

 

 

 

 

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Ken B., Mollymook Beach Waterfront: Editor for Mollymook News and Destination Mollymook Milton Ulladulla