Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron charity drive overwhelmed with support

A charity drive set up by the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron to help flood victims has been inundated with support as volunteers hit the frontline. FREE TO READ.

A charity drive set up by the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron to help flood victims has been inundated with support as volunteers hit the frontline.

Drive co-ordinator Cathy Menzel said they were sending the items to people who need them the most.

“We are collecting water, non-perishable goods, animal food, we need towels and we need cleaning products and lots and lots of chocolate,” she said.

Ms Menzel said they have been overwhelmed by the amount of support from the community after the drive was announced earlier this week.

“Imagine a teenagers bedroom there is stuff everywhere it is organised mess,” she said.

“Never in a million years did I expect this much support from a couple empty tables to now floor to ceiling water and nappies ready to go out.

“We’ve been absolutely inundated with volunteers the community is coming together hand-in-hand.

“It’s wonderful to see the Cairns community coming together like this, it’s so humbling, heartfelt and overwhelming.”

Volunteers Tom Greatorex and Karlyn Miskle load a truck of supplies at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron base in Portsmith bound for flood victims throughout the Far North. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“We sent some stock out to Edmonton, we’ve sent two car loads down to Yarrabah, and I believe the girls have just got through to Holloways and we think we should have access through to Yorkeys and Machans as well.”

Ms Menzel said they were co-ordinating with emergency services to get their collected goods to those who need it most.

“We are reaching out to emergency services to say you can come here we have x, y, z so they can then distribute it out.”

Cairns Community Flood Appeal 2023 has amassed a huge number of donations at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron base in Portsmith. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Residents who want to support the drive can deliver items to 42 – 48 Tingira Street, Portsmith.

Other chances to volunteer are being managed by Volunteering Queensland and donations can also be made through GIVIT.

Mayor Terry James said there had already been hundreds of offers of help.

“People have been contacting us with offers of help, or turning up at our evacuation centres with food, blankets and other goods,” he said.

Carlton Nicholas from Ignite Endurance makes a donation to the Cairns Community Flood Appeal 2023 at the Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron base in Portsmith. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“We appreciate the offers, but it’s important that these are co-ordinated to make sure help can be prioritised in the right areas.

“While well-intended, unrequested donations can be a problem for recovery teams, who need to spend time receiving and storing the items, which may not be needed.”

GIVIT has opened an online portal for people wishing to donate money or goods to flood victims: https://www.givit.org.au/queensland-flooding.

Originally published as Cairns Cruising Yacht Squadron charity drive overwhelmed with support