Patti Smith Generously Donates $10K To Local Flood Appeal

18 April 2017 | 8:43 am | Staff Writer

"Her performances at Bluesfest are among the greatest ever and we can now see what a wonderful human being she is as well."

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Off the back of two stellar performances at Bluesfest over the weekend, legendary musician and activist Patti Smith has donated $10,000 to local charity Rise Above The Flood, working to help those impacted by the recent floods in the Northern Rivers. 

Volunteers from Rise Above The Flood were also around Bluesfest over Easter looking for donations, with money being donated straight into community groups such as Murwillumbah Council's Mayor Appeal Fund For Flooding, Helping Hands Lismore, Northern Rivers Community Gateway and Mullumbimby Neighbourhood Centre.

Bluesfest director Peter Noble says, "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."
 
If you'd like to donate to Rise Above The Flood, head to their Facebook page for more information.