Tasmanians load up a truck full of goods to send to flood-hit Ipswich
By Ruza Zivkusic | January 19, 2011
Compassion and support for Queensland’s flood victims is flowing through, with Tasmanians loading a truck full of goods to send to Ipswich.
What started with a comment left on a Facebook page wanting to help the victims out has turned into 700 members supporting the idea and filling the truck with everyday necessities.
Shawn Wright, whose wife Megan McGinty is one of the organisers, will be driving the truck on Friday.
His uncle, Craig Wright, owner of Berry Walsh Transport in Wynyard, has donated the prime mover.
McGinty has received the support of 10 businesses donating money for diesel costs, including the financial support of Tasmanian Liberal MP Adam Brooks for the fees of travel on the Spirit of Tasmania ship to Melbourne.
“It was organised through a Facebook group between my wife and other ladies and it snowballed from there,” Wright says.
“It’s what we Aussies do; you got to help each other out.
“We’re just a drop in the ocean to what we’re doing compared to what’s happened, every little bit helps.”
They have called their mission the Truck of Hope and have been advised by Salvation Army and Queenslanders to bring a list of first aid items, including baby items, cleaning products and camping equipment.