Thursday, 12 February 2009

Sadness


Like many, I've watched the media reports of the Victorian bushfires with horror, disbelief and intense sadness. I grew up in bushfire country in Western Australia, my dad was a volunteer fire fighter and our house used to be the muster point for the local brigade so I know something of the savagery of a big fire, but I have never seen anything as catastrophic as this.
The loss of life has moved me to tears. I am so sorry.

If you would like to help, here are some links that I have found:

I've donated money, for wildlife care, through Shula's blog poppalina.

I'm going to have a go at making marsupial pouches for orphaned baby roos, wallabies and possums. I will modify this pattern.

The toy society are helping crafters send hand~made toys to children. When I get a chance, I'd like to do this too.

I've discovered links to the Red Cross and the Salvos at the handmade help victorian bushfire appeal, along with lots of other information, including ways of donating things that have been handmade with love. There are also connections to some deeply personal recounts that have been written by bloggers who are living in the midst of the fires and their aftermath.
I'm praying for them.

13 comments:

Judy Merrill-Smith said...

You are a blessing in a time of pain. Thanks for passing on these links.

Judy Merrill-Smith said...

I hope you don't mind, but I've put out an appeal for my blog readers to join me in making plushies to send to the Handmade Help effort. It's at http://cheerytomatoproductions.blogspot.com/2009/02/crafty-help-for-our-friends-down-under.html

inkberryblue said...

Judy,
Thank you so much!
x

Anonymous said...

It is the most awful thing. We had the 67 bushfires here, and I remember they were horrid too. I do love being Australian, because when the chips are down, we come through.

Katknit said...

Thank you for this helpful article about how and where to help.

magnusmog said...

I've been watching with sadness over in the UK. Good on you for publicising ways to help out.

Ceci said...

Great post. Thank you for having a kind and charitable heart.

cici said...

thanks for reminding us of how we can help. Thanks for all the links. I will add them to my prayers.

Anonymous said...

it's so sad, and until now all I've been able to do is sit here and watch...thanks for the links.

Dana said...

Thanks for the links.

I'm praying for them too.

Grace Garton said...

thank you for the links.

A friend of mine, her mum lost her farm and vinyard. But all her 18sheep survived, unharmed.

Anonymous said...

hello, vermilion!

jenniwiffles here, from our old forum. i still check in on your lovely blog often; admire the sensitivity of your photos and creations; your keen eye.

i'm so sorry to hear of all the devastation down under. it maust be a great trauma - to people and wildlife and landscape alike. your links to helping agencies are great.

be well,
and thinking of you :-)

j

inkberryblue said...

Thank you everyone for responding to this post. You are all very kind.

blackcrow,
What a terrible loss...I'm so glad the sheep survived.

jen,
Your comment is a lovely, lovely surprise! I was just thinking about you the other day ~ I came across one of your letters written with your beautiful calligraphy and your lyrical turn of phrase. Gorgeous! How are you my friend? I'd love to catch up with you and hear your news. Are your email details still the same?
Love to you.
x