When the devastating floods swept through the Mid Coast of New South Wales in May 2025, nearly a thousand families lost their homes. The disaster left a vast area in need, and many survivors faced not only the loss of their possessions but also the uncertainty of how to move forward. In the aftermath, the local community found comfort and hope through the caring actions of those who reached out to help.

A Journey of Compassion Begins

In the early hours of July 26, a group of 33 volunteers from Sydney set out for the flood-affected region. Their mission was not only to deliver essential supplies but also to offer reassurance and companionship to those who had endured so much. Before dawn, culinary volunteers prepared nourishing vegan meals—grilled vegetable skewers and potato salad on bread—to share with the survivors.

Upon arrival at the Wing-ham Court House Community Center, the volunteers were greeted by Kate, the community manager, who had carefully compiled a list of those most in need. The focus was on families who had lost their homes or were unable to work due to the disaster.

Restoring Trust and Confidence

At first, many survivors arrived with wary expressions, uncertain of what to expect. As the volunteers welcomed them with warm smiles and the uplifting song “Love and Care,” the atmosphere gradually shifted. The simple act of singing together helped to ease anxieties and foster a sense of belonging.

One local resident, Tammy, shared, “Since the floods, other aid groups have left. I never expected you would come back. You brought more than supplies—you brought back our long-lost smiles and confidence.”

As each person received a cash card, a blessing card, and a blanket, some were moved to tears. Chin Xin Lok (駱靜欣), a volunteer, recalled, “When they accepted the cards, I saw tears in their eyes. In that moment, I knew we had done the right thing.”

Meeting Every Need and Inspiring Kindness

Throughout the distribution, volunteers adapted to every challenge. When a sudden influx of people arrived, Julia Wu (吳如玉) calmly stepped in to help with registration, ensuring order and comfort. Volunteers like Hui Kee Chiam (詹蕙棋) noticed when someone was overwhelmed by the crowd and offered gentle support, helping them complete the process and leave with a smile. The team responsible for distributing cash cards took time to explain how to use the cards, making sure each recipient felt confident and cared for.

During the event, volunteers shared the story of the “Bamboo Bank Era,” when small daily donations helped build a culture of giving. Inspired, the Evans family’s children ran home to fill two bamboo banks with their pocket money and returned to donate them, requesting four more to continue their acts of kindness.

Kristi, their mother, said, “This is the children’s pocket money—they want to help others. One day, our family will visit Sydney to hand over the bamboo banks in person and help even more people.”

Youth Volunteers: Carrying Forward the Spirit of Giving

Young volunteers played a vital role, managing logistics, registration, and distribution. Chris Choo (徐可馨) led a team of six, remarking, “We can be playful, but when it comes to doing good, we’re serious.” For many, the experience was transformative. Zhi-Qing Xie (謝芷晴) reflected, “A week that started out stressful became my most meaningful day because of the smiles of the survivors.”

Some volunteers traveled from as far as Brisbane, moved by the resilience of a community that had faced two floods, a fire, and a pandemic in just six years. One French grandmother hugged volunteer Jia-Min Yu (余佳敏) for a long time, reluctant to let go. “I almost cried, too,” Jia-Min Yu shared.

A Community Moving Forward Together

By the end of the day, 29 families had received support, including 46 scarves, 55 blankets, 16 copies of Jing Si Aphorisms, and 45 bamboo banks. The outreach was more than a distribution of goods—it was a reminder that no one faces hardship alone. The presence of caring individuals brought renewed strength, courage, and hope to those rebuilding their lives.

As the community continues to recover, the seeds of kindness sown during this outreach will continue to grow, inspiring both young and old to support one another and look forward to brighter days.

Written by Carol Guan (關錦洛), Julia Wu (吳如玉), Hui-Ling Chen (陳惠玲)

Source: 雪梨慈濟馳援新南威爾斯水災 愛與希望同行