Thousands in Chimbu respond to Australia bushfire appeal

PEOPLE in the six districts of Chimbu have responded to an appeal for donations towards the Australia bushfire this week.
Many travelled into Kundiawa to make their donations. Three boxes were placed in the town’s centre near the Kondom Agaundo provincial administration building for cash contribution.
The donation drive was organised by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and a women’s advocacy group.
The group appealed to people to give a contribution to the Simbu-Australia Bushfire Appeal with collections having started on Jan 2.
On Sunday the group travelled to the Goglme Catholic station, 25km north of Kundiawa, where parishioners and others donated K139 towards the cause. Group leader Mathias Kin said the donations were deposited into a bank account. He said the funds would be withdrawn, in a form of a bank cheque, and presented to the Australian High Commission at the end of the month.
Kin said the group would travel into Chimbu’s six districts over the next few days to appeal for contributions.
He said Australia had helped PNG immensely over the years and they felt obligated to help with what they could during their bushfire emergency.
He said those wishing to donate towards the cause could deposit their contribution into the Simbu-Australia Bushfire Appeal BSP Account: 7018875471 or call 71122365 for more information.