Book drive update

I'd like to say a really big thank you to all the lovely people who contributed books to my bushfire book drive. So far I've collected 1027 books (many more than I expected!), and I think I spied some more in a couple of the tubs that I set up in cafes around Brunswick ....

I've sent out most of the books with the help of Borders Books, who will not only distribute them to libraries and schools in communities affected by the fires, but are also donating $200,000 in cash.

Children's author Alan Bowater has also generously offered to send me some copies of his book 'A Cat Called Kitty', which relates the adventures of a purple flying pig who meets a fluffy white cat from Kathmandu. Thank you Alan!

Dear friends, if you have any books to spare that are in good condition, please don't hesitate to contact me and send them on over (I'm also happy to collect them if you're not too far away). So many communities lost their homes, schools and libraries last month, I'm sure that a simple gift of books will put smiles on many faces.

Hooray for books!

Helping hands

It's easy to feel helpless in the face of all this devastation, but in blogland folks are definitely rallying!

If you would like to create or buy some handmade items to help the victims of the bushfires, but aren't exactly sure how to go about it, take a look at all the info on Gilly's new bushfire appeal blog. (Click here for the HTML code if you'd like to add the Handmade Help linky button to your sidebar)

Monica is co-ordinating the creation and distribution of Rainbow Comfort Packs for children over here, Curlypops has listed the efforts of various crafty peeps here, and Margaret has provided hints and tips for donating clothes, as well as these great links:

• Donate blood ... I hear that the blood banks are all booked out for the next two weeks, so perhaps make an appointment in a few weeks time to donate. Keep an eye on the web site for mobile blood banks that might come to a shopping centre near you!
• 3AW's Fire Assistance Directory - listing people who are happy to help and drop off donations or people who are opening their homes to fire affected people.
• 774 Offer Help Blog - listing people who are willing to help others.
• OurCommunity has a list of information links on where you can help along with deposit details for every bank in Australia.
• The Toy Society are offering to collect handmade toys for the kids effected by the fires.

Finally I just wanted to mention my book drive again.
Please let me know if you have any books to spare (for children or adults .... anything in good condition) - I'm happy to arrange collection & distribution.



(Images from here and here)

Fire and rain

It's so hard to imagine that while much of Victoria has been razed to the ground by fire this week, 60% of Queensland lies underwater due to massive flooding. Apparently residents of many Queensland communities have now been advised to beware of crocodiles swimming in urban areas (!).



Looks as though eastern Australia is copping some rather bad karma this year ...


(pics from here and here)

Sewing and mending

I'm starting a stack of sewing projects in an effort to help mend some broken hearts. The state death toll from the fires stands at 108 this morning, and I'm sure this will rise as officials gain access to burnt-out areas.

I am planning to donate toys, quilts, etc and will gladly co-ordinate a collection of items in Melbourne; if anyone would like to contribute or help out please leave a comment on this blog or email me: juddie1[at]optusnet[dot]com[dot]au.

I'd also like to start a book drive, so if you would like to donate any books, I'll collect them together and donate them through a suitable organisation in a few months time, when the shattered communities begin to rebuild. Bianca from The Toy Society is organising a toy collection, and many other private assistance efforts are underway - check out Rach's blog if you would like to contribute to her collection in Sydney, or visit Sarah if you'd like to help out from Perth.

Finally, may I encourage you to consider donating to Animal Aid or Wildlife Victoria's bushfire appeal? At least two Victorian animal shelters have been lost to the fires, and donations of money and resources are desperately needed to help injured wildlife.


I'm so glad I donated blood on Friday ....

Gone

The pretty, historic township of Marysville has been close to my heart for many years now. Nestled at the foot of the snowfields and surrounded by breathtaking Mountain Ash forests, the Marysville/Kinglake area was a serene getaway, perfect for rejuvenating the spirit and soaking up the deliciousness of nature. The lush, verdant gardens and towering trees always provided a welcome retreat during summer months, while in winter, glistening snowfalls decked the village roofs and dusted vibrant tree ferns with sparkling white cloaks (oh, how they needed snow this weekend!). The atmosphere in the town has always been sweetly seductive, calming and unassuming; the small and friendly community always provided a sense of quiet welcome. Marysville never failed to delight whenever I wanted to escape the city for a while.








Tonight my heart sinks as I try to grasp the fact that in the course of one evening, entire towns have been completely reduced to ash:




Here is some footage from the ABC helicopter as it flew over the ruins of Marysville today. It makes me cry.


My cousin is a firefighter, fighting the fires in Gippsland at the moment, and another cousin lives with her 4 children in the threatened town of Neerim. I haven't heard any news of them yet but I hope they're safe tonight.

Dispair

My heart is breaking tonight for those affected by the fires sweeping across our state, the worst in our nation's history. I can't even begin to imagine the terror and loss experienced by so many, and I am in awe of the courage and commitment of the fire-fighters and other emergency services workers. News bulletins are reporting 84 confirmed deaths this evening, with the death toll expected to rise considerably in the next few days. Bodies are being found in burnt-out cars and buildings, countless beautiful, historic towns and forested areas have been reduced to ashes, and the devastation of wildlife is almost inconceivable.










Yesterday the temperature reached 47°C (that's 117°F!) here in Melbourne, with a raging north wind that felt like a blast furnace; these gale-force winds exacerbated terrible fire conditions throughout the state. As more devastating reports emerge from previously beautiful, vibrant rural communities, my heart just sinks and I'm fighting back tears....









(images from the BBC, New York Times, ABC and The Age)