An "overwhelming" amount of donations from the Dubbo community made to local business WJS Removals will be distributed to fire-affected families across NSW over the coming weeks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The fires, which have had most of New South Wales ablaze since early September of 2019, has left many across our state without homes and everyday items such as food and clothes.
WJS Removals Dubbo Owners Willy and Margie Sowden decided to open their home to the community as a local donation drop off point after she saw the desire for one among the community online.
The Dubbo husband and wife have since accumulated two garages worth of items ranging from beds and cots to linen, clothes, food, toiletries and toys.
"I asked Willy if he would do it and straight away he agreed to do it," Mrs Sowden said.
Mrs Sowden said the support that has been given by the community was amazing.
"We've had donations from other places too, like Narromine," she said.
"The support the Dubbo community has shown has been overwhelming, they've really got behind it.
"When Willy and I started, we thought we would get just a couple of things. Now we have two sheds full and we're probably going to have to take the truck and the trailer."
Mr Sowden will drive the items down to the communities in and around Lithgow in his removal truck free of cost, despite Mrs Sowden confirming it was their businesses busiest time of year.
"A lot of families have lost everything in the fires, I'd like to think if that were us people would do the same," Mr Sowden said.
On Thursday donations were given to the Sowden's by a Black Saturday survivor who said the couple were doing an "incredible thing".
The 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria were the most devastating in Australian history, until now.
The Sowden's have asked people to go to their Facebook page as they will be updating their progress via that platform.
The good samaritans say they will probably stop asking for donations soon so they can deliver the items they currently have.
Mr Sowden said he was working with the right people to help distribute the donations.
St Vincent de Paul's is taking cash donations at 126 Brisbane Street. They will not accept goods at the Brisbane Street address.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Taylor Dodge
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Your story matters, your voice deserves to be heard and I would love to help you share it. I have five years of experience as a Journalist with Australian Community Media covering an array of topics, with a key focus on breaking news and crime and a passion for people. E: taylor.dodge@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
