I’m usually a daily blogger but I’ve just been feeling too guilty blogging about our happy little life down here in Sydney at a time when people have lost lives, homes, animals and livelihoods. And it’s not just people who live in country towns, we’re talking about people living in or around one of Australia’s capital cities. It’s still unthinkable for me….watch this footage here which gives you a taste of how Brisbane is looking this morning and listen and watch this, it breaks my heart.
So what can we do? That’s my big question today. If we’re able to help let’s do it! Let’s get involved and show we care in our own ways. Some of us have time, some have money, some have skills, some live nearby and some live on the other side of the world. Here is just a small list of ways we can help…….it is certainly not exhaustive so please, pretty please, if you know of other ways to help then let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to the list:
Donating to the Premier’s Appeal – if you want to donate $$$$ directly then this is the best place to donate. Just go here and more information is here
Queensland Flood Relief Auctions Toni’s auctions have already started and you can keep track of them all on her blog here, more will continue to be added as Monday 17th Jan is the main launch date. All proceeds are going to the above appeal so you can be assured that money is going to a reputable appeal. I will be asking that winners of my auctions donate the winning bid directly to that account. Reading these emails from one of her reader’s, Jan, is just heartbreaking.
Food for the SES volunteers this lovely lady has made a list of places where SES volunteers are and where you could drop off some food and yummy things to keep them going. Of course don’t leave your home if you shouldn’t or get in the way of essential work. Her blog post includes a list of SES centres.
Register to Volunteer ring this number if you want to register to volunteer or have items to donate 1800 994 100. Thanks Leonie for letting me know this one. Another link is here
BrisStyle thanks Bells for letting us know about some crafty ladies on Etsy raising funds. Just go here
Brisbane Helping Hands lots of items needed and drop off points in Brisbane. just go here
and one of the guys in retro daddy’s team has lost his house in Brisbane, they are a young married couple and took a canoe out to see their house last night to find water up to the second storey. Retro daddy was texting him last night to let him know that work will provide their temporary accommodation in Brisbane which must be a small relief to them. In the meantime, I’m wracking my brain of what to put in a care package for them! I’m thinking a quilt, handmade teatowels, cushion covers, coffee mugs, gift voucher for an online store. Please tell me what I should put in there as retro daddy will be flying back up there next week. If you want to help me with the parcel just drop me an email (corrie_sebire@hotmail.com)
And lastly my quilters, what do you think. Can we get some quilt blocks done to make up quilts to donate? What do you think……..if you’re in let me know. This is more of a longer term project but I’m sure quilting groups will be doing the same and I have the hugest bolt of batting here and white muslin when we’re ready to put them together. I’ll be back with more details of block size etc later…………..
And please, let me know of other ways to help and of course let’s not forget that we can pray and keep these people in our thoughts for the long road ahead of them. It breaks my heart when I hear that people I know through my blog and store are affected or at risk. A special prayer also going out to everyone in Goondiwindi today who are now at risk of flooding…………….
Images from here
Dear Corrie,
I would love to assist with a quilt project, please let me know of your thoughts on design, block size etc. I’m sure we could create some comfort for those in need.
I don’t have my own blog (yet) however am an avid reader, just contact me via email.
Love Christine
You are so kind
I am still learning how to quilt but would love to help out with quilt squares
brekki3@bigpond.com
I have 12″ (finished size) quilt block I just made which is all yours if you want it Corrie. You can see it here.
I’d love to help put together some quilts.
Your idea is lovely Corrie, comfort quilts can mean so much, it shows people care
If I can help, please let me know
On another note – The river at Goondiwindi (my home town) is due to peak late tonight … thankfully, Gdi hasn’t had any great amount of rain.
What is really sad, is some towns north of Gdi are having flood waters for the 2nd time, or possible 3rd time.
Happy stitching, P
Corrie, we had some bad flooding a few years back in our city. People undergoing such situation really, really need such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, towels. I don´t know what kind of help your government give this poor people, if they have places to stay, but they probably don´t even have clothes. Kids need game boards, coloring books and pencils and toys. They need to be entertained while away from home, and they probably lost all their toys at home. People can help with that too. I have seen the blog Among the gumm trees is asking for “new beginnings” sewing kits for quilters who probably lost all their stuff.
My friends and I will probably work on something easy to mail all the way from our country, to make sure it gets there. Good luck!!
oh corrie, this is a wonderful list.. and what a lovely care package you are putting together. I am sure it will be much appreciated.
Is there anything we can do immediately to help your friends. Im not sure where they are staying or what our access is to there but will be heading down towards gold coast tomrorow or early next week.
I think the idea of quilts is awesome… not a very confident quilter yet myself.
Just dropped off some baking to our local SES crew. theyd just done 24 hours straight… amazing guys. so dedicated.
I know when we were putting together care packages for the black saturday survivors we put in mundane things like toothbrushes, toilet paper, underpants and socks, as well as chocolate (because that always helps).
xxxCate
I would love to help with some quilt block.
And thanks for the additional links.
I have people making softies for my HUGGLES drive, for the children. We can all do our small bit, to make a big difference.
Hi Corrie,
I’m still a newbie when it comes to blogging – but I’d really love to help out with some quilt squares.
My husband is a l m o s t in Brisbane, has taken 4 days to get there from Canberra through back roads & country towns. All the while his mobile ringing to get him to help with air lifts, rescue & recovery. So he’s on the ground, nearly.
Feeling less helpless by doing a patchwork quilt auction & a raffle plus all comments & well wishes enter a giveaway. Love Posie
Corrie I know where you are coming from re: guilt about blogging happiness at a time like this but I know having gone through difficulties myself in the past that the one distraction I welcomed was just that…losing myself in blogland and taking myself away if only for a few moments to what others were doing.
I love how everyone is rallying together at such a difficult time, doing what they are able to do. Such great community spirit on a huge scale…it really is heartwarming
xx
What a great post Corrie. I know what you are saying about blogging. I just can’t! I can’t turn on the TV today either. (OK, small glimpses) It is all to heartbreaking.
Isn’t the crafting community just wonderful…On my blog I have a link where you can put together a sewing kit for anyone that might be interested…Dzintra♥x
I’d love to see a gumboot drive! There will be so much mud around as people begin to clean up. Just as putting on a bit of jewelery or make-up makes a stay-at-home mum forget that she is covered in baby vomit, kids paint and sweat, so might funky gumboots help some folk to smile! I think we’ll be needing masses of cleaning products up here in Bris too
I don’t have much that I can give to help. I would be honored to make blocks to help make quilts to donate. I will get my quilt group to make some blocks also. Just keep me in your loop and I will help that way. Go on line and look up 72 hour kits. They will give you ideas for things that can help them right now. Thank you for this post.
Well thought out Corey. Toiletries are a definite to include including some sanitary products for the young woman-things we don’t think about.
I am definitely in for making blocks for quilts so let us all know what the final decision is.
Let me know the block details and I love to make something up, just to help in a small way. My heart breaks for all the people having to go through this xx
Hi retromummy, I am on the Gold Coast and have parents/friends/relies in Brisbane. This is on the news 24/7. Listen to ABC radio (612 AM) as they have lots of good information to keep you updated. As a suggestion to help – Coles or Woolworths vouchers would be great, I have heard some churches are recommending people buy these for the flood victims as all their food is gone. Just an idea.
Thank you,
Sherrie
It’s really good of you to give this so much attention on your blog and all your help will be so appreciated. I’m in Brisbane and luckily we didn’t get flooded.
A childhood friend of my sisters is missing out Toowoomba way and it’s terrifying to think of what may have happened to him. He’s only 20. His mother must be terrified. Every day I wonder if we’ll hear bad news about him.
Good effort with the auctions etc.
I like sewing but not up to quilting yet. Love to learn but don’t have the time at the moment.
Can you find out what other items people would need for the care package? I would like to help. I know it is really nice when you can get people, the things they really need.
I like the idea of the shoe box with Samaritan’s Purse. I packed some of these last year. Is this something that could work? A box for Him or Her or boy or girl with toiletries and a toy or something.
Insect spray could be a good thing to send, as well as sunscreen, a hat and sunnies.
What bottles can u travel with interstate on the planes now?
I will email you for more details.
Sharon
Corrie, I have linked with you for people to help with the flood appeal. My blog address is:
http://elliesue-littlefairywren.blogspot.com
My daughter in Ipswich and her brother in law both lost their houses in Bundamba Ipswich.
So everything your readers can do to help in the appeal will know at least one person has lost property. They are all safe and at her husband’s parents place in a flood free zone in Brisbane.
I am with an online Craft group which is making Huggles to give to the littlies who have lost their own huggles, these are any sort of stuffie, bear, doll etc. Contact me and I will be able to tell you more.
Elaine
Please also give to head officend. Their shelter and head office at Fairfield is severely damaged. They don’t qualify for flood relief funding.
Please, help the animals.
http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/
Apologies, my PC ate my post (with thanks to my cats!)
Please give to the RSPCA Queelsnand. Their Fairfield Head Office and shelter has been severely damaged. The RS doesn’t qualify for flood funding.
please help the animals too.
http://www.rspcaqld.org.au/
I know you did this post a few days ago, but I hope I’m not too late. I know one of the things the donation centres keep asking for is toiletry items. Especially feminine hygiene, loo paper, razors shampoo etc. Maybe some of that kind of stuff would help??
I’m glad to hear that you and your family are ok. mONTY