Battery World Australia had already quietly committed $20,000 to the bush fire appeal when a social media post catapulted the company to do even more.
When comedian and influencer Celeste Barber reposted an Instagram call for donations of items essential to our rural fire fighters, Battery World answered her call to arms.
Battery World general manager Shawn Kerr said like most Australians the team felt saddened by the devastation with everyone from franchisees to the operations team looking for ways to offer support.
“Our franchisees stepped above and beyond, quietly helping people in need,” Kerr said. “They showed support from handing out power banks to rural firies and evacuees to charge their phones, to keep in touch with loved ones, to providing free batteries to those who had lost their homes and were living in caravans.
“There was no hesitation when one of our team members saw the post other than to pack up a car full of batteries and head to the donations collection centre.”
Battery World powers bushfire relief efforts
Together with Powercell, the Battery World team put together $15,000 worth of batteries and power banks and drove two and half hours from Brisbane to Chinderah on the Queensland NSW border.
“Dispatchers immediately allocated the donation to fire stations and people who needed them,” Kerr said. “They were an instant necessity. Small batteries but largely critical for torches for over 10 Rural Fire services to carry in their trucks.
“At the end of the day, the sheer number of communities, families and individuals that have been affected is unthinkable: we at Battery World have always committed to charities as part of our corporate philanthropy and the bushfires resonated with everyone one of us.
“Cash is always vital, but the power of providing actual goods when given to those in need, shows a real sense of care. Care that from those giving to have considered those affected, and for a moment to put themselves in the shoes of those affected. Unequivocally it’s the thought that others are thinking of those affected in their time of need and how others can help is what really matters.”
Battery World helps Gold Coast
Paula and Tony Nash are the proprietors of Shell Chinderah Bay Fuels – they put out an Instagram call to start collecting essential items when they saw a gap in collections for the southern coast of the Gold Coast.
They were overwhelmed by the generosity of citizens and companies coming to the rescue.
“Battery World’s donation of batteries and support truly made a difference as it went directly and quickly to bushfire victims who were extremely grateful,” they said. “Through their donation and the generosity of others, three semi-trucks laden with essential items went to Ulladulla, Batesman Bay and Coffs Harbour and items delivered to Kyogle fire affected areas. These trucks were met at the receiving end with a co-ordinated response and donations were distributed by services and agencies.
“This collection was quite different due to the diversity of items donated e.g. gas burners, camping equipment, hardware, batteries, pharmaceuticals, sanitary/toiletries, non-perishables, stationery, energy foods, baby goods, new clothing, fencing equipment, pumps, generators, vouchers and so much more.
“Approximately 40 pallets were freighted in each truck. A large number of volunteers helped sort and pack each day of the collection and numerous donations such as packing boxes and sundries, food/drink for the volunteers also made this a tremendous and successful, huge team effort.”