I can't read or listen to the news anymore. I don't want to read anymore survival stories. I can't bear to read about the children. It's just too hard.
I spoke with a former work colleague this morning. She is the HR manager of a large firm in Sydney who have employees at sites all over Victoria. Four of their employees have lost everything in the bushfires and those employees have lost parents, friends, neighbours.
Since Sunday she and her team have been organising temporary accommodation, groceries, clothes, money and counselling. They have told people not to come to work but they want to because they have nothing to go home to.
One employee took his family for a swim that morning and left behind his wallet, his keys, everything. He has no form of printed identification anymore.
We talked about those people who had small businesses in the bushfire affected areas. The strawberry growers, the farmers, the cafe owners the local fruit shop. They have not only lost their homes but also their livelihoods. They don't have a big company to provide them with accommodation or emergency money. They have no means of support after all this has died down. Devastating at any time and totally tragic during a global financial crisis.
They rely on us giving to the agencies that can help them the best.
We have given to the Red Cross. Give to the agency that you feel will best provide assistance in this disaster. And pray for rain and cooler temperatures.
9 comments:
We have to hope that when the governments promise that they will rebuild these communities that they really will.
I've donated to Red Cross too and I have quite a few things to take to the Salvos, but you still feel helpless. I hope that the money will be well spent and that people won't forget all about this once the news reporting has died down.
Exactly what Guera said....
x
I know the feeling! I get goosebumps and teary thinking about the fires, but the children just reduce me to jelly.
I've donated money, I've got a pile of things to take to the Salvos (or the transport company) tomorrow, I'll be shopping BIG in Coles on Friday, and I'd give blood if I could.
I just don't feel that I've done enough to help!
Australians are made of strong stuff and they will find a way to make new lives for the survivors.
Take care, M.
We have been shocked and saddened to hear about the horror your countrymen are facing. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are looking into ways we too can help.
My mother's best friend works for our local red cross. She has suggested that in addition to helping out those affected by crises, we also give blood, money, etc. locally to build up our own programs so they are ready to face disaster, should, God forbid, the unthinkable happen close to home.
Thinking of everyone affected by this.
I can't watch any more either. My whole being hurts for every one of those affected. Thank goodness for the support agencies.
I know what you mean. I cry about all the families and the children both lost and the 'living' that survived through the days of hell.
It will take everyone a long time to even come to terms with the loss of lives, let alone their irreplaceable possessions and the not so important ones .I do hope they can re build their lives quickly with a united effort from all Australians & others.
Will break my self-imposed Coles/Woolworths ban for the good cause today ...
Post a Comment