ALMOST a month after the fire destroyed its major warehouse the Animal Welfare League of Qld is relieved to be able to announce the address for its temporary storage facility at Currumbin.
AWL Qld public relations manager Gabrielle Wheaton said details of a second facility at Southport would be released as soon as details were finalised, but the first site to be opened would be at 2/30 Currumbin Creek Road, Currumbin. However people are asked not to drop donations at the site, but rather at the AWL’s Currumbin Op Shop across the road.
She also wished to thank all those businesses, individuals, schools, clubs and organisations who had responded in the early days of the appeal, and apologised she was not able to name them all.
“It was incredible, and extremely encouraging, the way people reacted to news of the fire,” Miss Wheaton said.
“I was taking calls from people who were offering to leave their cars on the street and empty their garages, and even some who offered their spare bedrooms as they knew how important it was for us to continue to accept donations, particularly of food and bedding, which we lost in the fire.”
Miss Wheaton said the community’s response regarding donations of goods, food and bedding (towels, sheets, and blankets) had been very welcome, as were offers of financial assistance.
So far, she said, about $80,000 had been raised for the AWL Qld Fire Recovery Appeal, but she was also aware much more financial assistance would be needed to fully recover.
“Unfortunately some initial reports stated we had no insurance, which is in fact not correct; we had nominal cover for the building and contents, just enough for us to start again and rebuild when we are able,” she said.
“I’d like to make it clear we would never be as irresponsible as to not have our major logistical hub covered, as we rely so heavily on the public’s goodwill and support we want people to have confidence that if they donate to us then proceeds will go where they should – to the care of the cats and dogs looking for new homes.”
Miss Wheaton thanked the community for its generous donations, and support particularly from State Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft and Gold Coast City Council Division 11 Councilor Jan Grew, whose response to the fire was immediate and instrumental in assisting the League to start to stockpile donations.
Donations can be dropped at any AWL Op Shop,or Rehoming Centre, visit our website for contact details: www.awlqld.com.au
