As the world takes steps to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, in some parts of the world it has been a very challenging start to 2022 with new types of crises emerging. Vast areas of the east coast of Australia have experienced devastating floods in an unprecedented weather event. Meanwhile, on the other side of the globe, Russia has invaded Ukraine, and millions of people are fleeing the country in what the UN’s high commissioner for refugees is calling the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

Many of you have reached out to see how we are responding to the above crises. We are committed to supporting communities around us, and below is an update on ways we have given support and pledged to provide aid.

Mud Army Helps Out in Lismore

Recently, volunteers from our Gold Coast offices rallied together to help a community devasted by floods. Our very own ‘mud army’ travelled to Lismore in Northern New South Wales in the Club Wyndham Surfers Paradise bus, along with two extra vehicles. The vans were loaded with squeegee mops, brooms, cleaning equipment and donations, such as non-perishable food items donated by corporate centre staff.

The team assisted the Lismore Lantern Parade organisers, whose headquarters had been completely inundated.  The Lantern Parade is the most important tourism event for the town of Lismore, and organisers hope to be able to hold it, once again this coming June 25 to bring much-needed cheer back to the town. Our mud army also helped clean the town’s major chemist, which is a crucial provider of the town’s medical and pharmaceutical supplies. The team at Club Wyndham Kirra Beach donated a petrol gurney for use on the day, which proved to be an invaluable tool, while Club Wyndham Surfers Paradise donated use of the resort’s minibus for the day.

Help for Ukrainian Refugees

With your club resort in Normandy, France temporarily closed until May 1, 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited demand, we have partnered with the resort’s manager to assist with the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Europe. Until Club Wyndham Normandy reopens on May 1, the resort’s inventory will be offered as temporary shelter for Ukrainian refugees in need. This will be at no cost to Club Wyndham South Pacific.

People from Ukraine, including the elderly, women and children, are experiencing arduous journeys, waiting in freezing temperatures for nine to ten hours at a time, just to cross the border. We hope this gesture of support will provide much needed assistance to some refugee families, albeit to a small few.

While the Club Wyndham Normandy resort will provide accommodation, the resort’s management company, Karma Group, will be providing everything additional, including meals, laundry, and coordinating the cleaning of apartments once they are vacated. Resort facilities will also be free for them to use. Children will also be given access to a range of activities, while parents will be offered the chance to take English and French language classes. These lessons will also be coordinated by Karma Group.

We will continue to keep you updated on our efforts to assist communities in need.

Kind regards,

Warren Cullum

Senior Vice President Operations