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To Arvo
Guest
Our sincerest thoughts and best wishes go out to all those affected by the fires.
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Victorian Bushfires
- Thread starter To Arvo
- Start date
- Watchers 0
K
Katlene
Guest
Ditto.
Its the most horrific thing ive seen on tv, i couldnt imagine actually being there.
So much loss.
Its the most horrific thing ive seen on tv, i couldnt imagine actually being there.
So much loss.
S
siyeng0
Guest
My condolences for those who have lost (or will lose) anything in the fires, and best wishes for those who are now without a home. I am praying that we can end this madness soon without too much more loss.
Edit: Oh, and a karmic fate for those who are taking advantage of this situation to start more fires would be nice. Preferably an ironic one.
Edit: Oh, and a karmic fate for those who are taking advantage of this situation to start more fires would be nice. Preferably an ironic one.
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Teeshy
Guest
What they all said (and particularly the last part of Siyeng0's post - seriously cant believe some people)
It's so horrific - and I can't keep watching it on tele, I just end up crying, and feeling so terribly useless. Really don't have the right words.
It's so horrific - and I can't keep watching it on tele, I just end up crying, and feeling so terribly useless. Really don't have the right words.
K
Katlene
Guest
Ive got a friend down there who is very close to the fires.
The town she grew up in is gone and cant contact those she knows.
Just gotta hope that the wind doesnt change.
Its the worst fire in australian history so the tv man said.
Yet theres people looting, even going into the red cross stations and taking things. Its just so infuriating.
Hope your no where near it either pet
And i pray that it doesnt get worse.
I will also second the suggestion to give blood. Ive got to take tablets for a few days before i can hurray for heritry dramas. but ill do it as often as i can till things are ok.
If you cant, shop at coles on friday, they said on the news that nationwide profits from coles on friday will be used in aid.
The town she grew up in is gone and cant contact those she knows.
Just gotta hope that the wind doesnt change.
Its the worst fire in australian history so the tv man said.
Yet theres people looting, even going into the red cross stations and taking things. Its just so infuriating.
Hope your no where near it either pet
And i pray that it doesnt get worse.
I will also second the suggestion to give blood. Ive got to take tablets for a few days before i can hurray for heritry dramas. but ill do it as often as i can till things are ok.
If you cant, shop at coles on friday, they said on the news that nationwide profits from coles on friday will be used in aid.
K
Katlene
Guest
Thats good then! Long as it doesnt head down towards the mornigton ill be mmuch happier.
I hate hate hate fires. Theres one going about half hours drive from here got vile haze all over town this arvy.
So much for the nsw & vic floods they predicted!
I hate hate hate fires. Theres one going about half hours drive from here got vile haze all over town this arvy.
So much for the nsw & vic floods they predicted!
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Ovrkill
Guest
the fires are a 40 min drive from my place
where they have everyone camped is just 15 mins down the road
Already they have run out of clothing for children and its the things like that that are needed the most. I know some good people there doing the best they can to help.
I cant describe what its like to hear fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and all other sorts of cars that have a siren, racing past your front door all day and night.
Have had friends feared lost, but thankfully tonight we were finally able to track them down, all safe and sound with minimal loss... but others, its sad to even think of what they must be going through... even from the outside, yet so close to it, the feeling in the air is morbid.
I saw a lot of good tonight, the fire brigade have their red cars chockers with needed supplies, SES also had a ute packed more then it should be, all in convoy heading up to wittlesea to deliver them. Im sure you saw on the news with all the green tents stretched out. Thats where all the news crews are stationed as well.
The scariest thing is, its not just north of melbourne, its south of melbourne as well, today it was even in the outer subburbs of melbourne in narre warren north, where a number of houses have been lost.
where does this end ??
and still tonight, more towns are put on alert, ready to evac if it really gets any worse...
I hope it is not a case of arson... but alas i fear i may be wrong.
God help the people who have lit fires and caused all this damage.... you will be found, and i wouldnt want to be you for all the moeny in the world.
There has been little sleep for a lot of people in melbourne over the past few days, and im sure there will be a few more sleepless nights ahead for us.
QLD.... Can we borrow some of that flood water please ???????
where they have everyone camped is just 15 mins down the road
Already they have run out of clothing for children and its the things like that that are needed the most. I know some good people there doing the best they can to help.
I cant describe what its like to hear fire trucks, ambulances, police cars and all other sorts of cars that have a siren, racing past your front door all day and night.
Have had friends feared lost, but thankfully tonight we were finally able to track them down, all safe and sound with minimal loss... but others, its sad to even think of what they must be going through... even from the outside, yet so close to it, the feeling in the air is morbid.
I saw a lot of good tonight, the fire brigade have their red cars chockers with needed supplies, SES also had a ute packed more then it should be, all in convoy heading up to wittlesea to deliver them. Im sure you saw on the news with all the green tents stretched out. Thats where all the news crews are stationed as well.
The scariest thing is, its not just north of melbourne, its south of melbourne as well, today it was even in the outer subburbs of melbourne in narre warren north, where a number of houses have been lost.
where does this end ??
and still tonight, more towns are put on alert, ready to evac if it really gets any worse...
I hope it is not a case of arson... but alas i fear i may be wrong.
God help the people who have lit fires and caused all this damage.... you will be found, and i wouldnt want to be you for all the moeny in the world.
There has been little sleep for a lot of people in melbourne over the past few days, and im sure there will be a few more sleepless nights ahead for us.
QLD.... Can we borrow some of that flood water please ???????
P
Paradox_
Guest
Everyone at my work are donating towards the Red Cross aid relief fund.
I strongly urge anyone who can contribute anything do so.
I strongly urge anyone who can contribute anything do so.
K
Katlene
Guest
its a shame we cant fold aus in half for a sec and give vic all the flood waters be so good.
From what i head on the telly they have arrested someone for arson there aswell as a 15 yr old kid for the ones in the blueys
why would someone do that.
From what i head on the telly they have arrested someone for arson there aswell as a 15 yr old kid for the ones in the blueys
why would someone do that.
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annachie
Guest
We had about 6 grass fires within a mile or so, and about half a mile down the road 7 houses were destroyed. I can still smell smoke. And I'm in an outer suburb of Melbourne. (Narre Warren South) Out in the burnt areas it must be hell.
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siyeng0
Guest
The death toll stands at at least 170 now and the fires are moving so fast in places that THEY CAN'T BE OUTDRIVEN.
And people are STILL LIGHTING MORE.
all i can say is... ffs. just, ffs.
Also, if you're squeamish about donating blood (or are inapplicable) and have no money, anything will do at the moment. People are losing everything they have and there aren't enough resources to recompense losses on this huge scale, so clothes, or canned food, or anything really, will help. There's been a thousand homes lost and that's a lot of families who didn't have time to pack clothes or blankets or things to eat or any of the basic things you need when you're a refugee. So if you have anything you can spare, drop it in to the Red Cross. Every little bit helps.
And people are STILL LIGHTING MORE.
all i can say is... ffs. just, ffs.
Also, if you're squeamish about donating blood (or are inapplicable) and have no money, anything will do at the moment. People are losing everything they have and there aren't enough resources to recompense losses on this huge scale, so clothes, or canned food, or anything really, will help. There's been a thousand homes lost and that's a lot of families who didn't have time to pack clothes or blankets or things to eat or any of the basic things you need when you're a refugee. So if you have anything you can spare, drop it in to the Red Cross. Every little bit helps.
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Fink
Guest
Ditto what Siyeng0 said..
I'd encourage everyone to have a critical look around their home for items to donate. You'd be surprised at the stuff you accumulate that you could easily do without, especially if you have children as they grow out of things so quickly.
I'd encourage everyone to have a critical look around their home for items to donate. You'd be surprised at the stuff you accumulate that you could easily do without, especially if you have children as they grow out of things so quickly.
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
Horrific is the only word that comes close to describe this desaster........the tragic loss of life, the loss of homes and lively hoods. I believe the death toll is up around 173 people that is so so very sad and tragic.
Its just gut wrenching, and to then think people start these fires for kicks..it is infuriating and beyond comprehention...I do hope they are caught and I do hope they get life imprisonment as well as daily community service where they have to do something to help right this devastation they have caused...not that I believe there is any way they can right this wrong they have done to so many undeserving and innocent people.
I know blood donations are wanted but does anyone know of details where money can be donated or items to help...as I have baby clothes that I am sure will be of use to someone and cloth nappies as well as some adult clothes and blankets. I also know some mothers in my mothers group who are raiding there cupboards as we speak but are not too sure where to take the donations.
Its just gut wrenching, and to then think people start these fires for kicks..it is infuriating and beyond comprehention...I do hope they are caught and I do hope they get life imprisonment as well as daily community service where they have to do something to help right this devastation they have caused...not that I believe there is any way they can right this wrong they have done to so many undeserving and innocent people.
I know blood donations are wanted but does anyone know of details where money can be donated or items to help...as I have baby clothes that I am sure will be of use to someone and cloth nappies as well as some adult clothes and blankets. I also know some mothers in my mothers group who are raiding there cupboards as we speak but are not too sure where to take the donations.
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
ok so I just re read - red cross is taking donations is there any other organizations or is that the only one?...just trying to find out all places to donate so I can give the mothers group a list.
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stumpy
Guest
Just curious, does anyone know if there was anyone from the game or anything that has been involved? I know there was a few players from country Vic who did play.
It is one of the most horrid things that happens, it happened where I live a few years back but absolutely nothing like what it was in Victoria.
It is one of the most horrid things that happens, it happened where I live a few years back but absolutely nothing like what it was in Victoria.
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stumpy
Guest
I severely disagree with this take on Karmic fate.
I believe the family members of those affected should be each given a small welding torch and they should allow it to be used on those who did light these fires. Especially to certain "dangling" parts of their bodies.
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To Arvo
Guest
Red Cross, Blood, Money Donations
St Vincents any donations money clothes etc
Salvation Army any Donations
Coles will devote all of this coming Fridays profits to the Bushfire appeal so shop at Coles on friday, you can also directly donate at any Coles checkout.
Bendigo bank has a Bushfire appeal, not sure about other banks
That all as that I know of but no doubt there are other organisations running collections and appeals.
St Vincents any donations money clothes etc
Salvation Army any Donations
Coles will devote all of this coming Fridays profits to the Bushfire appeal so shop at Coles on friday, you can also directly donate at any Coles checkout.
Bendigo bank has a Bushfire appeal, not sure about other banks
That all as that I know of but no doubt there are other organisations running collections and appeals.
K
Katlene
Guest
Dunno stump, besides Ovr, jah & petrify im not real sure on anyone else thats in vic
I hope not.
Death toll is over 300 now. Im starting to not want to listen to the radio or tv any more because i just feel so sick and sad.
I hope not.
Death toll is over 300 now. Im starting to not want to listen to the radio or tv any more because i just feel so sick and sad.
Where did you hear over 300? Last I heard it was 181.
T
To Arvo
Guest
Last official count was 181 but there are at least 50 people unaccounted for.
A
annachie
Guest
It appears that a pair of 14 yr old girls might have lit the grass fire that took out the houses near me, because they were bored.
K
Katlene
Guest
cause they were bored? what a **** poor excuse in this day and age where theres always something to do. Can i get bored and pull all their teeth and fingernails out?
300 was on the radio, maybe they meant unaccounted for
300 was on the radio, maybe they meant unaccounted for
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thenow
Guest
Heart wrenching , truly heart wrenching. Not to mention the anger towards the looters and arsonists, laughing at and taking advantages of peoples pains has and always will p*&^ me off. Justice will always finds its way to its outcome, whether karma , knee capping or a blowtorch on hanging bits or I 'suppose' the justice system.
I heard from some Qld firefighters that it is known within some firefighters the numbers are in excess off 300 or even more.It was stated that one small town alone had 100+ who tragically lost their lives.Thats where the radio most likely got there numbers from.
Heart wrenching.
Thoughts, prayers and donations from me to any and all involved.
Stories of heroism, courage and strength should be told. Firefighters, volunteers and victims saving and helping each other should be recognised.
Pyschologically and emotionally many people will need support and help.
I heard from some Qld firefighters that it is known within some firefighters the numbers are in excess off 300 or even more.It was stated that one small town alone had 100+ who tragically lost their lives.Thats where the radio most likely got there numbers from.
Heart wrenching.
Thoughts, prayers and donations from me to any and all involved.
Stories of heroism, courage and strength should be told. Firefighters, volunteers and victims saving and helping each other should be recognised.
Pyschologically and emotionally many people will need support and help.
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
I found out about a local donation drive happening - so anyone in the local area that wants to help out they can (not sure if there are too many but thought I would share any way).
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Teeshy
Guest
Donating goes without saying =) Blood just has to wait a week or so (but I did see them say that they would prefer people to stagger their donations, cos of the shelf life of one component of blood only being something like 4 or 5 days, so I guess later doesn't matter so much with that)
And thanks Siyeng for mentioning clothes etc at red cross too, Mum is going to town tomorrow so I can find out where our nearest branch is and send clothes with her =)
S
stumpy
Guest
I know of a few old EOB guys that were in Vic, not totally sure of location and I was wondering about Simsalabim and his wife as well if anyone has/had any details on them?
K
Katlene
Guest
poop on a stick omg i cant beleive i forgot. ill given them a ring and let you all know
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
Coles Supermarket Bushfire Appeal
Hi All,
If you can hold off until Friday to do your big shop, Coles supermarkets will donate all profits from that day to the bushfire appeal. Please pass on to friends, family and colleagues (as well as those interstate as this applies to all Coles supermarkets throughout the country). See the link below for more details.
http://www.coles.com.au/about/news/documents/Coles bushfire appeal donation.pdf
Hi All,
If you can hold off until Friday to do your big shop, Coles supermarkets will donate all profits from that day to the bushfire appeal. Please pass on to friends, family and colleagues (as well as those interstate as this applies to all Coles supermarkets throughout the country). See the link below for more details.
http://www.coles.com.au/about/news/documents/Coles bushfire appeal donation.pdf
B
barjunkie
Guest
Thanks for the call just letting you guys know we're fine here the fires are fairly close but we are safe here besides we can use maries icy stare to battle it if it gets closer
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sasha1969
Guest
Thanks for the call Kat! and the thought Stumpy, its nice not to be forgotten!
we have family and friends in most fire effected places, some of whom had to be evacuated.
I also have a number of friends fighting the fires in gippsland and around healsville.
I was stunned to here the fires claimed a house near where we live in narre warren north!
Thinking of you all as well, good to see so many family names!
we have family and friends in most fire effected places, some of whom had to be evacuated.
I also have a number of friends fighting the fires in gippsland and around healsville.
I was stunned to here the fires claimed a house near where we live in narre warren north!
Thinking of you all as well, good to see so many family names!
S
sasha1969
Guest
poop! i forgot...don't forget pet supplies! Some of the kennels and cattery's around the area are looking after displaced persons pets ( free of charge). some of the alternative accomadation wont allow pets, so i think that's a lovely gesture.
O
Ovrkill
Guest
Well, a good friend of mine runs one of the animal shelters up near Emerald, got an email from them today saying they had over 200 animals they didnt have the people to help take care of them..... so thats where i will be spending my weekend.
O
Ovrkill
Guest
Im sure Jah will be fine, she is in Apollo Bay, thats a good 2 and a half hours south-west of Melbourne and the closest fires to her would be bendigo. If anything, she would be out there somewhere helping the wildlife.
I think this is what Katlene may be referring to....
Police fear 300 dead in the ashes
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
On facebook some people from over seas where asking if there was a website or email they could contact to find missing relatives during the Vic fires...here is the address someone gave incase someone else may need it - [email protected]
They ask that you include your name and phone number.
I was also listening to news reports today and they where definatly saying 300 is the death toll....its just so tragic and sad.
They ask that you include your name and phone number.
I was also listening to news reports today and they where definatly saying 300 is the death toll....its just so tragic and sad.
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Teeshy
Guest
Yeah, they expect the death toll could reach 300, but fortunately it's not yet - hopefully it won't get that high.
Hadn't thought of pet supplies at all, thanks for mentioning it sasha.
Does anyone know if they have caught any of the arsonists yet? I kinda remember reading a small snippet of a headline that said somethign about a 31? year old man and a 15? year old boy, but that's all I've really heard
Hadn't thought of pet supplies at all, thanks for mentioning it sasha.
Does anyone know if they have caught any of the arsonists yet? I kinda remember reading a small snippet of a headline that said somethign about a 31? year old man and a 15? year old boy, but that's all I've really heard
S
sasha1969
Guest
the 2 arsonists they caught were for fires in N.S.W. As yet they aren't that close to an arrest for the current fires, although, Churchill in Gippsland was definately deliberatly lit.The task force is close to publishing a photokit of persons of interest.
And the death toll has not exceeded 200 as yet, however there are an awful lot of people unaccounted for, and huge areas to go thru yet. the difficulty is trying to find the cars that didnt make it thru, and might have gone "bush" to get away. Marysville still have a lot of people unaccounted for, and they estimate that 20% of the population has been killed.
As of the 2006 senses (sp?!) they had 500 odd people living in Marysville: they are saying the death toll could reach over 100 people.
And the death toll has not exceeded 200 as yet, however there are an awful lot of people unaccounted for, and huge areas to go thru yet. the difficulty is trying to find the cars that didnt make it thru, and might have gone "bush" to get away. Marysville still have a lot of people unaccounted for, and they estimate that 20% of the population has been killed.
As of the 2006 senses (sp?!) they had 500 odd people living in Marysville: they are saying the death toll could reach over 100 people.
T
To Arvo
Guest
***WARNING***
Only donate to known organisations. A man has just been arrested in Brisbane for fraud after posing as a charity worker for the bushfire appeal. Tis a sad world we live in these days.
Only donate to known organisations. A man has just been arrested in Brisbane for fraud after posing as a charity worker for the bushfire appeal. Tis a sad world we live in these days.
A
annachie
Guest
I believe someone got arrested for the Churchhill fires yesterday. A 39 yr old local faced court over it.
As for the others I haven't heard yet, but I do know that 2 fires in Narre Warren North were lit by an idiot using a grinder. The second time was after the Fire fighters had put out the first one he'd caused.
Also, last Saturday, aparently one Narre North fire was being fought by a guy with a hose and an 'Elvis' airial water bombing helecopter. (Everyone was down here in Narre South)
One of the Narre Warren South houses destroyed was owned by a local firefighter volenteer.
Last count I head for total houses destroyed was about 1700 or so.
Marysville lost 20% of it's population and the whole town I believe.
Currently there are 14 fires still burning, 3 considered major with a 4th close to going that way. 2 are 40 mins north of me and 40 mins east of me (and probasbly Ovrkill as well by the sounds of it) It's been like living in a smoke house most of the day
As for the others I haven't heard yet, but I do know that 2 fires in Narre Warren North were lit by an idiot using a grinder. The second time was after the Fire fighters had put out the first one he'd caused.
Also, last Saturday, aparently one Narre North fire was being fought by a guy with a hose and an 'Elvis' airial water bombing helecopter. (Everyone was down here in Narre South)
One of the Narre Warren South houses destroyed was owned by a local firefighter volenteer.
Last count I head for total houses destroyed was about 1700 or so.
Marysville lost 20% of it's population and the whole town I believe.
Currently there are 14 fires still burning, 3 considered major with a 4th close to going that way. 2 are 40 mins north of me and 40 mins east of me (and probasbly Ovrkill as well by the sounds of it) It's been like living in a smoke house most of the day
F
Farscape
Guest
I t is a sad time at this point in these areas but once again Australians have baned together to support and rebuild the areas affected sadly I feel the biggest fire could have been the result of the power company lets hope changes are made to the maintaining of power lines not just here but Aust wide.:bowdown:
T
Teeshy
Guest
Just went outside to water the garden and it's all-over hazy (I'm in mid-north SA).
Knowing that the smoke haze I am seeing outside is from these fires is just kinda eerie.
Knowing that the smoke haze I am seeing outside is from these fires is just kinda eerie.
K
Katlene
Guest
Yeah we had smoke here it was sickening
T
To Arvo
Guest
Apparently the smoke has travelled as far as New Zealand!
O
Ovrkill
Guest
we took some photos last night, didnt turn out that well... firstly the sun was blood red during the afternoon, it was incredibly smokey here and im only about 40 mins from king lake.
Then during the night, it was close to a full moon, and again it was blood red like the sun was earlier.
Incredibly freaky looking. The smoke is really strong around here. Visability is really poor.
Was going to spend this weekend helping at the animal sanctuaries in the area. But have been told that they wont accept help from anyone unless you have specialised vet skills, especially in burns treatment. But they will accept donations of pet food and supplies.
Then during the night, it was close to a full moon, and again it was blood red like the sun was earlier.
Incredibly freaky looking. The smoke is really strong around here. Visability is really poor.
Was going to spend this weekend helping at the animal sanctuaries in the area. But have been told that they wont accept help from anyone unless you have specialised vet skills, especially in burns treatment. But they will accept donations of pet food and supplies.
K
Katlene
Guest
here are a couple of photos my friend in wandin uploaded.
this is the main street of marysville
and an aerial view
The pictures will never do justice to the devistation thats happened.
this is the main street of marysville
and an aerial view
The pictures will never do justice to the devistation thats happened.
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
Another fundraiser guys....I am just doing my best to share all the ones I recieve as I honestly think they can just use all the help we can give.
The Victorian bushfires have affected so many lives, leaving many homeless with everything being taken by the fires. The strength of the fire fighters and the community of the areas affected is to be admired. The entire nation has pulled together to assist those in need.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal - Charity Auction
http://www.beaniekids.com/victorian-bushfire-appeal-charity.html
Giant Big Kid - Firey the Firefighter Bear
Firey the Firefighter Giant Big Kid stands 1 metre tall and is one of a kind, never to be reproduced. A certificate of Authenticity will be included.
It will be auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. Every dollar counts in this time of need, and the money raised will help families and communities rebuild their lives.
Bidding begins on 15th February 2009. Click the button below to place a bid now! (Just make sure you have permission from your parent or guardian first)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260362504454
All money raised from this auction will be matched dollar for dollar by Skansen and will be donated to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. For more information on this appeal or to make a separate donation http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm
The Victorian bushfires have affected so many lives, leaving many homeless with everything being taken by the fires. The strength of the fire fighters and the community of the areas affected is to be admired. The entire nation has pulled together to assist those in need.
Victorian Bushfire Appeal - Charity Auction http://www.beaniekids.com/victorian-bushfire-appeal-charity.html
Giant Big Kid - Firey the Firefighter Bear
Firey the Firefighter Giant Big Kid stands 1 metre tall and is one of a kind, never to be reproduced. A certificate of Authenticity will be included.
It will be auctioned off on eBay with all proceeds going to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. Every dollar counts in this time of need, and the money raised will help families and communities rebuild their lives.
Bidding begins on 15th February 2009. Click the button below to place a bid now! (Just make sure you have permission from your parent or guardian first)
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260362504454
All money raised from this auction will be matched dollar for dollar by Skansen and will be donated to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009. For more information on this appeal or to make a separate donation http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm
A
Amathist of PoC
Guest
http://sares1911.wordpress.com/
Home of “MEMORY GIFTS”. scrappers united to give something to the VIC bush fire victims. - if your a scrapbooker or have ever thought of doing it please check out this site. This could be your way of helping.
I think it is a fantastic idea and really something anyone can do to help.
Home of “MEMORY GIFTS”. scrappers united to give something to the VIC bush fire victims. - if your a scrapbooker or have ever thought of doing it please check out this site. This could be your way of helping.
I think it is a fantastic idea and really something anyone can do to help.
Yes. My partner and I lost a house we owned in Gippsland (the forgotten fires).
The people renting it were away on holiday at the time. Thankfully we had nothing personal in it, and we're fully insured.
Oh and on a happier note. I now have 7 koalas in my house... Its going to take years to get the burnt hair smell out...