Million dollar McCloy donation to kickstart local Salvos cyclone appeal
Updated
Newcastle's former lord mayor who resigned in the wake of a political donations scandal, has today donated a million dollars to a cyclone disaster appeal for the people of Vanuatu.
Jeff McCloy infamously told an ICAC hearing last year he felt like a 'walking ATM' during the 2011 election campaign, as he handed tens of thousands of dollars to local Liberal candidates.
He today handed the million dollar donation to the Salvation Army's Cyclone Pam disaster appeal.
He said it is a 'no brainer' that Australians would stand with their neighbours in their time of need.
Mr McCloy he is keen to do whatever he can to help the people of Vanuatu rebuild and plans to travel there next week.
"Those people are in an awful way, they need help, urgently they need help," he said.
"We're going there Monday to have a look and see from an old builders eye a quick assessment of it.
The collective power of good people is far more powerful than individuals with large amounts of money
Former Newcastle lord mayor, Jeff McCloy
"Also getting out to the outer islands I hope with a helicopter because that's where I understand there are water problems, where they are out of water.
"Buying desal units, there are small ones available today, I've had experience with those, they work extremely well.
Mr McCloy says he hopes the people of the Hunter region will give what they can.
"Look $10 is a fantastic donation, for these people $10 for them is a lot of money, so the more $10 donations that come in is a help.
"The collective power of good people is far more powerful than individuals with large amounts of money."
The Salvation Army's Major Bruce Harmer said the organisation is extremely grateful to Mr McCloy for the donation and for his ongoing support for the work of the Salvos.
"Tropical Cyclone Pam has caused extensive damage to communities in Vanuatu, especially those in more remote outlying islands," he said.
Topics: cyclones, charities-and-community-organisations, newcastle-2300
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