Donations and applications for bridging assistance are now possible
Vienna (OTS) – The storms that have hit Austria since last weekend have caused enormous damage in both Styria and Burgenland. Several hundred people had to be evacuated from their houses and apartments, houses were in danger of collapsing, thousands of cellars were flooded, living spaces and electrical appliances were destroyed. The operations of the thousands of helpers are made more difficult by the persistent rain.
The ORF initiative AUSTRIA HELPS AUSTRIA, together with its partner organizations (Austrian Red Cross, Caritas, Diakonie, Hilfewerk and Volkshilfe), immediately released funds from the acute aid fund and is starting with bridging aid for those affected. The aid is intended to support people whose houses have been destroyed or damaged by the rains, floods and mudslides.
Those affected can read all the information about support options and submit applications via Hilfe.ORF.at.
The ORF supports the relief campaign “Flood – AUSTRIA HELPS AUSTRIA” in all of its media and state studios. The ORF advertises for donations with spots on television, radio and online. The people of Austria are asked for their solidarity-based help.
ORF General Director Mag. Roland Weißmann: “The situation following the current severe storms is still difficult in the affected areas in Austria, which is why quick help is required. The ORF naturally supports the ÖSTERREICH HILFT ÖSTERREICH relief campaign in all of its media and state studios in order to motivate as many people in Austria as possible to donate. With the support of donors, those affected can be helped quickly and efficiently. I would like to thank everyone who contributes to this.”
Peter Kaiser, Deputy Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross: “Every donation, large or small, helps the affected families – not only financially, but also as mental support. The rapid and unbureaucratic help via AUSTRIA HELPS AUSTRIA is possible thanks to the high willingness to donate of Austrians, who show their solidarity in challenging times and lend a helping hand to their fellow human beings in need. Thank you for this important commitment!”
Prof. Pius Strobl, ORF Head of Corporate Social Responsibility: “This bridging aid primarily serves to provide quick help and repair of disaster damage, the purchase of urgently needed household appliances and the covering of daily needs. While it enables an immediate response to the acute emergency, the majority of the donations collected are intended for reconstruction in order to specifically support particularly affected families in the storm areas.
About AUSTRIA HELPS AUSTRIA
AUSTRIA HIFLT AUSTRIA is an ORF initiative together with Austria’s leading aid organizations and was launched in 2020 in response to the Corona crisis. After the storms in August 2023, more than 2,500 affected people were helped quickly and unbureaucratically with the flood emergency and bridging aid. Even in current and future domestic crises and disasters, people in Austria will be supported with the help of donors.
There are several ways to donate to ÖSTERREICH HILFT ÖSTERREICH’s flood relief efforts: via the donation number 0800 664 2024 provided free of charge by A1, by donation slip or online transfer. All information can be found at Helfer.ORF.at and in the ORF TELETEXT on page 685.
Donation account from AUSTRIA HELPS AUSTRIA
IBAN: AT06 2011 1800 8076 0700
BIC: GIBAATWW