From a pregnant young mum in western Queensland needing a new pram, to a Julia Creek family rebuilding their lives after being evacuated from their cattle property, Queenslanders are continuing to be assisted by our donation to the state’s flood relief efforts.

Earlier this year, the Lott, through Golden Casket, donated $500,000 to the Queensland Government’s Queensland Flood Appeal.

The donation, funded from unclaimed prize money, was made to GIVIT, one of several charities appointed by the Queensland Government to collect and distribute flood relief assistance.

From this donation, GIVIT has already provided 195,812 items to residents in Townsville and western Queensland who are getting back on their feet after January’s devastating floods.

At this stage of the recovery, GIVIT is still providing essential items, such as beds, bedding, fridges, washing machines, and items to help children get back to school. 

Recipients include a mother with three autistic children, who received new whitegoods and school equipment after her family suffered significant loses after the floods.

Another family had been managing a cattle station outside Julia Creek in northwest Queensland when floodwaters inundated the property. The family of four described the extent of the damage “as horrific’’ with “very little able to be salvaged’’. After several days, the family had to be evacuated by helicopter from the submerged and remote cattle station. They have received beds, sheets, doonas, towels and work boots as a start in ensuring their cattle station continues to run. 

Meanwhile, a young couple and their toddler in western Queensland had their house severely damaged in the floods. The woman is due to have the couple’s second child next month, but the family had to dispose of their pram as was covered in mould and would be a health risk for the new arrival. The Lott’s donation to GIVIT provided a new, fully-reclining pram with shade to the family.
GIVIT Founder and Director Juliette Wright said the “amazingly generous” donation of $500,000 had gone a long way to supporting Queensland communities affected by devastating flooding.

“Flooding caused by this unprecedented weather event has caused devastation and heartache across large areas of Queensland, so we are incredibly thankful to the Lott for their generosity,’’ she said.

“The funds are ensuring immediate needs are being met, but we expect there will be a second wave (more like a tsunami) of requests due to insurance claim issues and people who begin returning to their repaired homes or alternate accommodation after living with family and friends.”