EWP move to help Lismore community
"Soon our office was overflowing with backpacks and supplies for the Lismore community."
EMANUEL Woollahra Preschool (EWP) has come to the aid of the Lismore community devastated by the recent floods with a Flood Care Pack initiative.
Residents in the Northern Rivers area are struggling to rebuild their lives after being rocked by two record-breaking floods in a month. The scale of the devastation moved EWP to do whatever they could to help the many families who have lost everything.
Families of the preschool generously donated children’s bags, which were decorated by EWP children, and packed them full of essential items.
Bev Smusko, EWP educational leader, said the response to the initiative from the preschool was overwhelming.
“Soon our office was overflowing with backpacks and supplies for the Lismore community,” she said.
“Our children’s voices at EWP were reflected in their drawings, messages and discussions with teachers as they participated in our efforts to help.
“One of our families kindly offered to subsidise the transport of all the backpacks to Lismore and we are delighted to share the news that the flood packs are now on their way.”
Smusko said it was through EWP’s ongoing relationship with Guniwirra (a non-profit organisation that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and communities) and CEO Graham Toomey, that they became aware of the urgent need for food, clothing, hygiene products and other essential items for families who had lost everything in the floods.
In addition, many early learning centres were under water and not able to provide a service to families.
“EWP is a centre designed to inspire wonder and creativity, but equally important is the warmth, sense of welcome and joy that is experienced by all,” Smusko said.
“Kindness and caring for others is embedded into our way of being and extends into our connection with community.
“The recent floods in NSW have had a devastating affect on many communities and we wanted to help. This is a true reflection of our community spirit and philosophy here at EWP. Beyachad – we are all in this together.”
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