Denmark Relief Assistance Network (DRAN) June 5, 2006
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Denmark Relief Assistance Network (DRAN)
The inaugural meeting of a group of Denmarkians involved in emergency care relief was held on Friday 26 May 2006 at the Anglican Hall. Attendees included representatives from most of Denmark’s church groups, the Community Collective (Soup Kitchen volunteers) and some concerned individuals.
Since starting the job as Denmark’s Health and Safe Community Officer a number of emergency relief situations have presented themselves, prompting me to organise a meeting of those already involved in this area, but who up until now have worked independently of one another. There are limited resources for this type of assistance work in Denmark and it seems appropriate we all try and pull together to ensure the service becomes more effective and streamlined.
Often, times get tough for some folks, particularly when winter wets in and something like a simple food parcel or firewood can make the difference to getting by or not. Sometimes newcomers, forced to leave difficult situations elsewhere, run out of resources after getting to town and without a Department for Community Development (DCD) or Family and Children’s Services office or representatives in town, quite a few ‘fall between the gaps’.
The Denmark Relief Assistance Network (DRAN) will hold its next meeting this week on Tuesday 6 June at the Anglican Hall and anyone who is interested in becoming involved or contributing is most welcome:-)
We will be setting up a special DRAN Fund and any donations or contributions of food or furniture will be greatly appreciated. The Red Cross will still remain the central point for second hand clothing, whilst St Vinnies (St Mary’s Catholic Church), the Anglican Church, Denmark Community Collective and the Family Church will be piont of contact for those in urgent need.
As this is the first DRAN post more specific information (contact detaiils etc) will be posted after our meeting this week, once the group decides on the best and most effective way forward. Once organised we’ll be able to apply for funding as a larger group with cross denominational, philosophical and cultural facets.
Thanks to all involved so far, for helping make Denmark a “Healthier Community!”