City of Canterbury Bankstown will be raising money for Red Cross at its major events this January, to help rebuild communities impacted by the bushfires.

Mayor Asfour said supporting Red Cross, which is helping people with recovery and emergency assistance, is just a small way CBCity can help those affected by the devastating fires raging across NSW and Australia.

“Watching these fires tear uncontrollably across our state and country has rocked me to my very core,” Mayor Asfour said.

“My heart goes out to those who have been affected by these fires and lost everything.

“To start our fundraising efforts, we will be donating $10,000, which was the money we would have used to fund our Australia Day fireworks at Belmore Oval.

“We will also be collecting gold coin donations at our Bankstown Lunar New Year event, Australia Day Pool Parties, and Australia Day Twilight event at Belmore.

“For those unable to make it to our events who would still like to contribute, we will have donation points available at both our Bankstown and Campsie Customer Service Centres and each of our nine library and knowledge centres.”

Mayor Asfour said he was in awe of the support shown by others in supporting those affected by the fires, including volunteers.

“It never ceases to amaze me the selflessness and compassion Australians – including our Council officers who are volunteering – show each other during times of crisis,” he said.

“I want to thank those who have given their time to help others through this terrible crisis.”

To donate to Red Cross online, visit cb.city/redcross

For more information on the major events in Canterbury-Bankstown this summer, including times and locations, visit cb.city/whatson