[Doreen]

Sitting here in tears, but desperately wanting to help. I heard the Salvation Army is asking for assistance, money is the best for them right now. Last time there was a big bush fire one of our members was collecting towels, sheets, pillow cases and the lids of jars (for feeding) for all the wildlife that were rescued after the fires, does anyone know of any organisation who is doing that yet? I am happy to be a collection point for Sydney again and will freight the collected goods to wherever they need them in Victoria. Is there anything else we can do? Feeling so helpless here...

Sorry mods, this should be in Chit Chat, but I wanted all members to be able to read it, feel free to move it if inappropriate.

[sealhope]

I know I have seen info, probably on the ABC site. Everyone is being asked to take a step back and to do things via official agencies. It is also too soon to expect serious collection things to be set up. Give it a day or 2.

[Doreen]

Thanks Sara... just feeling so helpless... I know we have to do it the right way through official channels...

[CatsRU]

I would definitely like to do something so count me in. This is unbelievable and so tragic.

[Terrorbull]

Someone on DOL is looking for baby items, a lady is bringing her baby home from hospital and has nothing for the bubba

[Joy]

Because of the extent of this I feel it should go through official channels - ie Red Cross, Salvation Army etc. If any of our members need or want any help perhaps a PM to a mod or admin & we can discuss a course of action.

[sealhope]

I think what the authorities are desperate to avoid is piecemeal action which often hinders rather than helps. It is always better to go through the official agencies - they know what the people need, we have no idea. I am certain there will be something setup soon.

if you want to help, give the Red Cross a couple of days (at the moment they are involved in disaster relief and don't need their phone lines tied up) and ask them how to help.

[sealhope]

ABC news is reporting that John Brumby has been calling on people to donate blood.

[CatsRU]

Can't help with the blood Sara - I lived in the UK until 1982 so probably have Mad Cow's Disease - that explains a lot about me!! LOL

[Dalli]

I have bags of clothes in my wardrobe ready to be taken to the Salvos, l think l will wait and see now where they are needed most and distribute them there. I am part of a dog rescue association and just gave them all my old blankets unfortunately.

[OrangeCatBlackCat]

Cross-posted from the main thread:

If you want to donate to the Red Cross online, their secure site is at https://www.redcross...neDonations.asp.

[Lisa J]

OH & I were just talking about the same thing. Once the officials have worked out what's needed we'll go from there.

It is just horrendous.

[sealhope]

There is going to be an official Bushfire Relief fund set up.

More and more reports on the weatherzone thread about people dead not yet being reported on official media.

[CatsRU]

Sorry if I offend anyone but I would rather donate to an official Bushfire Fund than the Red Cross after the Tsunami debacle.

[Analog6]

OK, PM, Mr Brumby and Christine Nixon have just been interviewed.

State and Federal Governments are putting up $10M as a start towards aid. There will be a Bushfire Relief fund set up for Australians to contribute to.

Centrelink are making immediate cash payments to people directly affected; $1000 to each adult, $400 to each child.

Army (as previously mentioned by a poster) are being brought in, police forensic staff being brought in to help identify people, but patience is needed as this will take time.

12 major bushfires are still actively burning in Victoria. Requests for all volunteers who were not fighting yesterday and overnight to attend has been made.

South Australia are sending over people to assist. There is a dire need for counselling services, Centrelink will be sending counsellors into affected communities but reading between the lines Mr Brumby was indicating that additional assistance is required.

There is dire need for people to donate blood, there are many, many burns victims who need it. Something we can all do is donate blood to help.

Salvation Army, Red Cross etc are accepting donations and may accept goods (such as tinned food clothes etc. You could check if your local church is taking up collections. Items like spare sheets, towels, crockery, cutlery, pots & pans - just think of the houselhold goods we use everyday.)

Salvation Army 137258 wants cash donations - these will go straight to victims. Also www.salvationarmy.org.au

Mustard Tree Op shop 28 John St Lilydale open tonight for bush fire releif, free food parcel & clothes and a BBQ tea for victims. Obviously one you could ring and ask them what they want in the way of clothes and food for the parcels.

And pet food included would be good for those who have lost their houses and everything alse but have managed tosave the pets.

This post has been edited by Analog6: 08 February 2009 - 12:46 PM