Sunday 25 May 2025

Foster Donation and Distribution Hub Report

Location: Forster Surf Club

Date: Sunday 25th May

Stage Two – Supporting Rural and Remote Communities

Today marked a significant milestone in our emergency relief efforts as we stepped into Stage Two of the Foster Donation and Distribution Hub’s operations. The focus is now on supporting remote and rural communities still awaiting critical assistance following recent hardships.

With over 60 passionate volunteers working from the Forster Surf Club, the day began with a massive order and evolved into one of connection, care, and practical help. Volunteers not only sorted and packed essential supplies—they visited affected areas, met with locals to understand the realities on the ground, and coordinated tradespeople to restore power and hot water to commercial sites housing evacuees and food storage.

The following donations were delivered to key areas:

Cundletown

40 bedding and towel packs

12 shovels

8 heavy-duty brooms

50 food hampers

50 toiletry packs

50 sanitary packs

300L of disinfectants

20 buckets

20kg of rags

Dumaresq Island

28 solar showers

28 x 4-pack butane cartridges

2 dual-burner gas stoves

8 single-burner stoves

4 slabs of bottled water

Coopernook

50 bedding and towel packs

12 shovels

8 heavy-duty brooms

50 food hampers

50 toiletry packs

50 sanitary packs

300L of disinfectants

20 buckets

20kg of rags

15 bags of clothing (all sizes)

50 pairs of shoes

Hundreds of new socks and underwear

Children’s toys and books

Wingham

10 bedding and towel packs

20 food hampers

20 toiletry and sanitary packs

Manning Point

10 toasters

5 air fryers

3 electric frypans

2 double hotplates

9 grill plates

3 small microwaves

6 induction cookers

10 bedding and towel packs

20 food hampers

20 toiletry packs

Children’s toys and books

Dog and cat food

2 portacots

A Heartfelt Thank You

A huge thank you goes to:

Bunnings, especially Local Area Manager Ben and National Manager Deb, for their outstanding support and generosity.

Kmart Forster and BCF Forster, who continue to be strong supporters of our mission.

The many local stores and businesses that have come forward to help—we’ll be acknowledging each of you individually over the coming days.

To everyone who has made financial contributions—your donations have immediately gone towards purchasing butane cookers, gas cylinders, electrical appliances, and vital cleaning supplies.

Your support is making a real and lasting difference.

Looking Ahead – Stage Three Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow, we move into Stage Three—collecting essential white goods, toasters, kettles, and cooking items to distribute over the coming days.

Forster Donation and Distribution Hub will be open tomorrow from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM to receive donations.

Items currently needed include:

Dog beds (medium to large sizes)

Gumboots (all sizes, including many pairs of knee-high)

Butane stoves

Eskies

Batteries (all sizes)

Torches

Dog food

Mops

Cleaning gloves

Empty refillable spray bottles (for disinfectants)

Small toothpaste

Portable showers

Shovels

Heavy-duty brooms

Cooking utensils

Saucepans

Small deodorants

Large plastic containers (without lids)

Large recycling bags

Thank you to every single person, business, and volunteer who has contributed so far. Together, we’re proving the power of community in action.

We are only just getting started.