Victorian Bushfires - Ways To Help Today (and Tomorrow!)

The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Smith Family and Brotherhood of St Lawrence are not accepting donations of goods of any kind at the moment. Instead they are gathering funds so that they can issue grants to fire affected families - so that they can buy the things they need. That may change in the future, so keep your eye on their websites for updates. These organisations are helping in the relief effort in other ways, though. Also - of course - ABC Radio will keep you informed about ways you can help.

• The Red Cross is in need of MONETARY donations and VOLUNTEERS. Go to their website to donate or register your interest.
• The Australian Red Cross Blood Service URGENTLY need people to donate blood. Call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
• You can donate at any Myer Store in Victoria too. Or via the Salvation Army website here. You can also donate over the counter at NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Banks.
• You can donate via direct deposit with your own Online Banking to: VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE RELIEF FUND BSB: 082 001 ACCT NO 860 046 797
• Bunnings is also taking donations at their stores.

I know that lots of saddened people want to make SOFTIES to donate to kids affected by these fires. Bianca at The Toy Society posted last night about that - and a couple of people commented here too. I think it's definitely worth making softies to be distributed down the track, once things have settled down a bit, and agencies are accepting that kind of thing. I think they'll be warmly received. But it's really important to try and help with the immediate issues that people are facing too. Donate money. Or donate blood. Or donate your time. You can do that here.

I'll keep you posted on when we'll be able to deliver Soft Toys and other Kid Things - and also exactly WHAT is needed. As will Bianca over at her blog. So start making NOW!!! But be sure to do something else for the relief effort THIS WEEK. Because people need your help today!

Any Brown Owls who are coming to the first February meets - you are welcome to bring donations with you then and we'll be sure they get to the right people at the right time. Anyone who donated a Softie for Mirabel - who feels like an early run, we would LOVE any softies that you might be able to whip up!

If anyone has any further information that would be helpful, please post it in the comments here. Thanks a bunch.

xx Pip


EDIT - See this LINK for ways you can donate food, blankets, clothing and toys TODAY.

EDIT - See this LINK if you'd like to make babies and children's clothing to donate in a few weeks time.

EDIT - Mike's will be acting as a collection point for any handmade items you may like distributed. This includes toys, clothing and baby items. We will collect and store any donations until we work out the best distribution agency. You can find us at 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria.

EDIT - More ways to help at Pip Stafford's blog

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