Friday, February 13, 2009

Aussie Wildfire Relief

You've probably heard about the fires in Australia. Apparently started intentionally, the fires have burned more than 1 million acres, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The death toll for people is over 150 and for wildlife -- well, it's devastating.

In 2003, a friend and I spent a couple of weeks in Australia, one week of which was in the state of Victoria. It's a lovely place with very friendly people. So sad to think that some of the places we visited are now in ashes. Even sadder to think that someone actually started these fires for some twisted reason.

Here's where the Internet truly becomes a connector and maybe even a tipping point. I read Diane's blog, Needles on the Move, regularly. She posted a link to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal page and to Jacqueline's blog, Serendipity. Jacqueline is urging folks to donate to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal and, by way of incentive, is offering a whole bunch of prizes. Just make a donation and forward the electronic receipt to Jacqueline to be eligible to win some lovely yarn (there's even Wollmeise) or a host of other goodies.

Even if you can only afford a little ($20AUS is about $13.15US), it helps. Jacqueline has already raised over $7,000AUS. She's aiming to raise $10,000AUS by March 1st and I don't think it's inconceivable that the total could go much higher.

ETA: Here's another way to help out. Visit the Etsy shop, Victorian Bushfire Appeal and purchase one of the multitudes of beautiful products offered there. A full 100% of the profits will go to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Appeal. You get a great, handmade product, and the Aussies get some help they need to recover. Perfect!

Please help if you can.

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