Worse and Worse…

It seems somewhat frivolous to blog about general ‘stuff” when the death toll from the fires here just keeps getting worse and worse. 173 people dead the last time I heard the news and more than 5000 people without homes… incomprehensible in so many ways.

The girls and I collected up some of their toys and games last night to donate. The girls don’t really understand what has happened but they know about bush fires and they understand that some people have died and that some houses are gone, and they were so generous picking toys that they love the most to give to ‘the children who’s toys got burned’.

We’ll take our toys and some clothes to the local Salvation Army Store this week and also donate some money via the Red Cross or the Salvos. (I know that Salvation Army is able to take international donations – just be sure to indicate that you’d like the money to go to the Australian, Victorian Bush Fire appeal.)

There are so many other people out there doing wonderful things to help.

Meet me at Mikes is a local crafty shop in Melbourne and they have been coordinating donations of hand made good… now Handmade Help has popped up with lots of information as well as auctions and crafty ways you can help.

Beyond Pink and Blue is another crafty way you can help – they are putting together ‘comfort packs’ for children who have been affected by the fires.

Loads of other local fund-raisers are popping up all over the place. We’ll have a number of sausage sizzles to choose from over the weekend, and Coles is donating profits from their store’s sales this Friday – so save up your shopping and do it all then. They are still looking for blood donors also. You can check out ABC radio Melbourne’s website for a really good up to date list with contact numbers and information on how you can help

Of course right now the best thing you can do is donate some money if you are able.