A lot of people in Australia and elsewhere have been wondering what they can do to help victims of the terrible bushfires in Victoria last weekend, which may have seen the loss of up to 300 people and over 1000 homes – not to mention businesses, schools, community centres and much more.
If you’re interested in making a contribution, have a look at OzBushfireAppeal.etsy.com, a shop that a number of indie designers have donated work to, including myself. All proceeds are going to the Bushfire Appeal. At the time of writing, almost $3000 has been raised.
You can also make a direct donation to the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal.
Additionally, if you’re a local, there’s a long list of information about financial and practical ways you can help on Our Community.
But wait … there’s more
If you’re in a giving mood and can afford it, I’d encourage you to think about matching any donation you might make for the bushfire victims and sending it to another cause which desperately needs financial contributions.
All around the world there are people dying of extreme poverty – from malnutrition, treatable diseases, unclean water. In places like Palestine, Somalia and Afghanistan there are communities torn apart by war. In many such places there is often no welfare system, no effective government bodies sorting things out, no insurance.
So while you’re thinking about those who have suffered from the horrors of the bushfires in Australia last weekend and have lost everything, also spare a thought for those others who also have nothing, whether from poverty or war, and who are in desperate and often ongoing need of the kindness of strangers.
If you’d like to do this, of course it’s up to you to decide where your contribution goes, but if you’re not sure and you’re in Australia, I highly recommend Care Australia who will accept regular donations, but they also run a great gifts catalogue – perfect for the person who has everything!
Finally, if you’re interested in thinking about the ethics of giving, I’d suggest you have a look at what Peter Singer has to say on the matter – it’s confronting and provides a lot of food for thought.