We Will Never Forget

7th February 2009

A year since Black Saturday. A year since Australia's darkest day.

Image via.

Ways to Help

Edit: I've just found this really great link listing all the different agencies and ways you can help. Click through, there are some really great, and practical things we can do.

I'm feeling a little edgy because I'm trying to think of more ways to help those in need right now.

The best way to help at the moment is with money. The Salvation Army has now said they are at capacity with clothing donations (they've got too much at the moment), and they are requesting money contributions for now.

ALSO - please be aware of the fraudulent appeal scams. These people do exist (I've come across them before) and they prey on people in these sad times. If you give money, please ensure it's via a reputable collection agency such as The Red Cross or The Salvation Army or the wildlife funds listed below.

If you've got itchy fingers like me there are loads of ways you can help:

Cindy and Pip are madly updating Handmade Help all the time. Go over there. Every time I log on there's something new that's been posted - which means that there are loads of generous crafters hosting their own auctions, Etsy sales etc in aid of the bushfire relief appeal. This is a great thing!

Georgie Love is contributing is generously contributing 10% of all profits for the month of February to the Bushfire Relief Appeal. Go forth and shop!

Rach over at Grandy and Baa has added more applique designs, and is looking for crafters to join her to stitch/crochet/knit/chat/stuff whatever it is you're making as a group. She lives just north of Sydney.

As well, you'll see on the left a new button - when you hit it, you'll be instantly teleported to Handmade Help HQ. Silly Gilly is the genius behind this button.

And finally, but by no means should you forget the animals who have been injured in this devastation. By now, I'm sure you've read about Sam the koala who was found by CFA volunteer David Tree (now how apt is that surname?). If you'd like to give money to help look after these animals, please call WILDLIFE CONNECT - 13 11 11 or log onto Wildlife Victoria. Koalas cost approximately $50 per day to care for (Sam will be in care for approx. 5 months), so they need funds to keep things rolling. These animals have lost their homes and many are suffering burns and have been traumatised. Please help if you can.

If you visit Holly's store HOKEY, she's donating 50% of all sales to Wildlife Victoria. Check out that beautiful swallow necklace.

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second image via

Hello Friends

There's not much to say at the moment. So I'm just going to give you some new links of ways to help those who have suffered due to the bushfires.

Cindy at Bug & Pop has organised a new blog HANDMADE HELP exclusively for fundraising - eBay, etsy, or even how to send your goodies to someone in need. There are already lots of great things happening over here, so click over and check out what you can do.

Rach at Grandy and Baa has added a cute apple perfect for applique. It's easy - even I can do it. You can email Rach if you'd like to send her something(s). Also - she lists some thought starters of things people need - such as clothing, quilts, blankets, bibs, hats, wraps etc.

The Australian Red Cross Blood Service had over 6,000 new people register to donate blood yesterday alone. Blood is used to make all sorts of products for burns victims. While their supply is adequate for now, they will need ongoing supplies to help in the recovery of these patients. Think about giving blood. I did. I'm booked in.

Here's something you can easily do - do your grocery shopping at Coles on Friday. They are donating ALL profits to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.

And Pip of Meet Me At Mikes has done an incredible menu on her sidebar (see right hand side) which lists plenty of other ways to show our solidarity in helping these people.

Help. Support. Love. Let's Spring Into Action!

I know you know what I'm talking about. It's headline news all around the world. I know our country is shattered and shocked.

Pip of Meet Me At Mikes fame is acting as a drop-off point and collecting handmade items such as toys, quilts, clothing and baby items. Meet Me At Mikes is at 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria. Pip has also listed other ways you can help - because at the moment - money is what the charities are looking for - for everyday things - nappies, clothing, toiletries, food etc.

If you're in Sydney the very clever Rach at Grandy and Baa is collecting handmade clothes and toys. Rach has already started work, so if you've got a way with a sewing machine, sew up something special for someone small, they really have nothing, softies I am sure would be of particular comfort. And there are a number of children who have been left with no parents - heart-breaking. It's all so heart-breaking.

Pip of Broken Bits of A Something has compiled a comprehensive go-to list of what else you can do. This includes helping the animals, mobile phone chargers (we all have these lying around unused), land, blanketing, animal accommodation.

If you can't donate money, donate blood, if you can't donate blood, donate bedding, towels, clothes, anything. These people have nothing.