Bluesfest is thrilled to announce that Patti Smith has kindly donated $10,000 AUD to local charity Rise Above The Flood a local organisation working on a ground roots level to help those impacted by the recent flooding. Volunteers from the charity were invited by Bluesfest to collect money at the festival and patrons have also been giving generously as they enter the festival. All the proceeds from ‘Rise above the Flood’ will be donated to these local community groups:

–        Murwillumbah Council – Mayor Appeal Fund for Flooding

–        Helping Hands Lismore – A community run organisation with flood assistance packages

–        Northern Rivers Community Gateway – Direct Flood Assistance.

–        Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre – Direct Flood Assistance.

Rise Above The Flood are all volunteers who are working with community groups to make sure that monies raised will go directly to the community and not to administration of a national body.

Bluesfest Director Peter Noble OAM comments on the generous donation:

As you are entering the gates you will see volunteers collecting for those impacted by the recent flooding in our region. Being here at the festival it’s easy to think everything is fine. The truth is, it isn’t. There has been perhaps one billion dollars in damages to homes and property with many people unable to pay expensive insurance premiums. Saddest of all is that people have lost their lives. It’s not hard to give a little, it will mean a lot. 

Patti Smith has graciously donated $10,000 to Rise Above The Flood. Her performances at Bluesfest are among the greatest ever and we can now see what a wonderful human being she is as well. People including our staff have lost their possession, property and friends so we find her generosity extremely touching.

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