Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Victoria Bushfires

Hello world,

If you haven't heard about the devastation of the bushfires in Victoria, you're not Australian and you don't watch the international news in your country. The fires exploded on Saturday, when the temperatures reached the hottest ever recorded down there. In Nowra, NSW it got to 44°C, I don't know the actual temperature was down in Vic. There's been fires burning around the country for a while, something we've come to begrudgingly expect every year around this time, but no one was ready for the combination of blistering heat and raging winds that swept the fires over central Victoria, obliterating small communities so swiftly that many people have died while attempting to escape. According to the news cast I am watching right now, the death toll stands at 173, but unfortunately this number will probably rise as they continue to sort through the rubble of the some 700 homes razed by the wildfires. The fires are still burning.

Victoria bushfires - image courtesy of welt online
Image courtesy of welt online

Victoria bushfires - image courtesy of welt online
Image courtesy of welt online

Victoria bushfires - image courtesy of welt online
Image courtesy of welt online


Like everyone, I am completely heartbroken about the loss of life in this unpreventable disaster. Donating to one of the many appeals is my small attempt at trying to help those in need. Every bit helps, and you can contribute online using the following links:

The Salvation Army accepts both Australian and International donations - This is the charity that I donated to, and it's great because it also accepts international donations as well.

National Australia Bank Victorian Bushfire Relief Fund - The NAB kicked off this fund with their own $1 000 000 donation, and you can donate at NAB branches or by direct deposit.

The Australian Red Cross - You can make donations via their website using Visa, Amex, Mastercard or Diner's card.

Bendigo Bank Bushfire and Flood Appeal - You can also donate via Bendigo Bank branches or follow this link to their online store where you can donate using your Visa or Mastercard.

If you would like to contribute using PayPal - I will accept donations and pass them on to one of the above Bushfire appeals. Leave a comment below with a way for me to contact you and I will gat back to you as soon as possible.

There are many different ways to contribute other than those listed here, however I wanted to post a few options in the hope of spurring on some help for those affected by this disaster.

~Jessica

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