This Valentine's Day Give to The Bushfire Appeal
February 10th 2009 05:34
Each year millions of dollars are spent by lovers' giving the gift of flowers, chocolates and expensive dinners on Valentine's Day. This year I'm asking people to give a gift of real and unselfish love - donate to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.
The latest news puts the death toll of the Victorian bushfires at over 160 people but warn that it could reach in excess of 230.
Although many people have been generous in donating food and clothing, the Red Cross is now saying that they cannot take any more of these supplies and are asking instead for cash donations. Australians have been very generous in support of the families involved. As at 3pm on the 10th February, the Fund had received $25.7 million from over 139,000 website and phone donations, with governments including the Victorian Government and Federal Government and corporates pledging additional sums. Donations are still continuing to flow in but much more is needed, so this year, why not make a donation in your loved one's name or make a joint donation in leiu of a Valentine's gift.
I know many people who read this blog are on a budget but every one of us, no matter how broke we are can afford something. Every dollar helps. Don't forget all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Show your love this Valentine's Day by doing something really meaningful - reach into your pocket and give to those who have lost so much. If you cannot afford to give money then please donate blood.
Donations can be made using the Red Cross secure online donations form or by phoning 1800 811 700. If you cannot get through on the first attempt please do not give up! They are being inundated with callers not only offering assistance but people calling the incorrect line to find out news about loved ones.
From the Red Cross Website:
Red Cross response (9am, 10 February)
Over 160 lives lost with the number expected to increase as authorities access more homes and discover vehicles in which people attempted to escape the fires.
Two centres in the Beechworth area were re-opened during the night with fires and ember strikes threatening the area.
The Red Cross enquiry centre is continuing to receive a large volume of calls from people concerned about family and friends and we are seeing an increase in calls from overseas as international news services relay the news.
There are still significant numbers of people registering with us so that family and friends can check on their wellbeing. One whole community that was surrounded by fire but spared, has late yesterday come forward to register with us so their loved ones know they are OK.
Over 400 volunteers and staff continue to work in shifts, Red Cross call centres in WA, ACT and NSW have opened to help deal with the volume of calls from people checking on the welfare of evacuees.
Image reproduced from touchpodium.com
The latest news puts the death toll of the Victorian bushfires at over 160 people but warn that it could reach in excess of 230.
Although many people have been generous in donating food and clothing, the Red Cross is now saying that they cannot take any more of these supplies and are asking instead for cash donations. Australians have been very generous in support of the families involved. As at 3pm on the 10th February, the Fund had received $25.7 million from over 139,000 website and phone donations, with governments including the Victorian Government and Federal Government and corporates pledging additional sums. Donations are still continuing to flow in but much more is needed, so this year, why not make a donation in your loved one's name or make a joint donation in leiu of a Valentine's gift.
I know many people who read this blog are on a budget but every one of us, no matter how broke we are can afford something. Every dollar helps. Don't forget all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Show your love this Valentine's Day by doing something really meaningful - reach into your pocket and give to those who have lost so much. If you cannot afford to give money then please donate blood.
Donations can be made using the Red Cross secure online donations form or by phoning 1800 811 700. If you cannot get through on the first attempt please do not give up! They are being inundated with callers not only offering assistance but people calling the incorrect line to find out news about loved ones.
From the Red Cross Website:
Red Cross response (9am, 10 February)
Over 160 lives lost with the number expected to increase as authorities access more homes and discover vehicles in which people attempted to escape the fires.
Two centres in the Beechworth area were re-opened during the night with fires and ember strikes threatening the area.
The Red Cross enquiry centre is continuing to receive a large volume of calls from people concerned about family and friends and we are seeing an increase in calls from overseas as international news services relay the news.
There are still significant numbers of people registering with us so that family and friends can check on their wellbeing. One whole community that was surrounded by fire but spared, has late yesterday come forward to register with us so their loved ones know they are OK.
Over 400 volunteers and staff continue to work in shifts, Red Cross call centres in WA, ACT and NSW have opened to help deal with the volume of calls from people checking on the welfare of evacuees.
Image reproduced from touchpodium.com
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Comment by Wilson Pon
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Note: A minute of pray for all the casualties...
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Hi Janet, I'll probably have the florists baying for blood
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count on me. My company is doing a nice thing for donations tomorrow and it will match all the the employees donate, so if I donate through them I'm make sure that whatever I give will be sent in double to the appeal. I loved your idea.
Lots of valentine love to you and money to the red cross!
Comment by Cheryl J
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Lots of smoochy valentine love to you too and good on you for donating!
Comment by The Rusty Can
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This is a really great idea - the amount of money that is usually spent on overpriced flowers etc on Valentine's Day could be put to much, much better use this year.
I've just received an email on another way to help out: by shopping at Coles. They will be donating all profits from tomorrow (Friday 13) to the Bushfire Appeal Fund. For more info, please see here...
Comment by Jason King
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Comment by Cheryl J
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Thanks Jason, I'm a 'Nigel no boyfriend' too. Damn all of those happy couples
The Hoyts offer is a great one because I'll probably spend my lonely Valentines at the movies. Poor me hahaha
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