The flooding which devastated the Solomon Islands in April 2014 is close to the heart for Matraville resident Jean Ford.
Mrs Ford, who was born in the Solomon Islands, lost a cousin in the floods that left 22 people dead and more than 9000 people homeless.
After putting up a post on her Facebook page about the flooding crisis, she was inundated with offers from her friends to donate clothes and other goods to the flooding victims.
She has amassed a large collection of clothing, furniture, whitegoods and toys stored at South Sydney PCYC ready to be shipped over to the victims.
However, with the Federal Government unwilling to pay for the shipping costs, Mrs Ford needs to find $6000 to pay for a container to transport the goods.
Mrs Ford said she felt disheartened and disappointed that the victims may never receive the goods she has collected.
“The people in the Solomon Islands are people who don’t whinge.....every day is a struggle for them,’’ she said.
Kingsford-Smith federal Labor MP Matt Thistlethwaite unsuccessfully asked foreign minister Julie Bishop for financial support.
Mr Thistlethwaite said all donations for the flood relief were welcome.
“I have visited the Solomon Islands a few times and I know these donations will help a lot, particularly in some of the villages,’’ he said.
To make a donation, go to South Sydney PCYC at 638 Elizabeth St, Redfern.