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Staff Reporter
Real estate groups are digging deep to help the bushfire recovery effort across Australia.
The First National Real Estate network, through the First National Foundation, has launched a national bushfire appeal in conjunction with the Red Cross.
Simon O’Donoghue, chairman of the First National Foundation, said the organisation has donated millions to the Red Cross over the past few years.
“Australia is prone to disasters of all kinds, especially over the summer and wet seasons, which is why we are urging everyone to give generously and support those communities most in need," he said.
“Our members have always been involved with the support of their local communities and, over the past six years, the First National Foundation has donated more than $2,200,000 to the Australian Red Cross as a result of our fundraising efforts.”
According to the First National Foundation website, just over $1 million has been raised for the current relief effort.
“At times like these, when communities are threatened by natural disasters, we redouble our fundraising efforts through the Foundation, which donates to the Australian Red Cross and its assistance to Australians in disaster preparation, response and recovery,” Mr O’Donoghue said.
LJ Hooker is also providing immediate assistance to Tasmanians affected by the bushfires, after their Bicheno office almost became one of 130 destroyed buildings.
LJ Hooker Bicheno franchise owners Robert and Ely Evans said the fires were just five kilometres from the office and it was sheer luck the wind changed direction at the last minute.
Mr Evans said he has never before been through anything as fierce as the bushfires, but remained calm having great confidence in the fire fighters and their support crews.
“They did a tremendous job,” he said.
Georg Chmiel, LJ Hooker CEO, said LJ Hooker is committed to supporting Australian communities in need with its direct donation to the relief fund.
“Our LJ Hooker network of offices is like a big family who will naturally do what they can to support each other. In addition to the immediate donation we will also be collecting funds from our offices around the country,” he said.
“We hope our contribution, and that of other Australian corporations, goes some way in easing the suffering of those affected and in rebuilding their homes, and their lives.”
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