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Victorian Bushfires – Ways To Help Today (and Tomorrow!)

February 8, 2009

The Salvation Army, St Vincent de Paul, Smith Family and Brotherhood of St Lawrence are not accepting donations of goods of any kind at the moment. Instead they are gathering funds so that they can issue grants to fire affected families – so that they can buy the things they need. That may change in the future, so keep your eye on their websites for updates. These organisations are helping in the relief effort in other ways, though. Also – of course – ABC Radio will keep you informed about ways you can help.


  • The Red Cross is in need of MONETARY donations and VOLUNTEERS. Go to their website to donate or register your interest.
  • The Australian Red Cross Blood Service URGENTLY need people to donate blood. Call 13 14 95 to make an appointment.
  • You can donate at any Myer Store in Victoria too. Or via the Salvation Army website here. You can also donate over the counter at NAB, ANZ, Westpac or Commonwealth Banks.
  • You can donate via direct deposit with your own Online Banking to: VICTORIAN BUSHFIRE RELIEF FUND BSB: 082 001 ACCT NO 860 046 797
  • Bunnings is also taking donations at their stores.


I know that lots of saddened people want to make SOFTIES to donate to kids affected by these fires. Bianca at The Toy Society posted last night about that – and a couple of people commented here too. I think it’s definitely worth making softies to be distributed down the track, once things have settled down a bit, and agencies are accepting that kind of thing. I think they’ll be warmly received. But it’s really important to try and help with the immediate issues that people are facing too. Donate money. Or donate blood. Or donate your time. You can do that here.

I’ll keep you posted on when we’ll be able to deliver Soft Toys and other Kid Things – and also exactly WHAT is needed. As will Bianca over at her blog. So start making NOW!!! But be sure to do something else for the relief effort THIS WEEK. Because people need your help today!

Any Brown Owls who are coming to the first February meets – you are welcome to bring donations with you then and we’ll be sure they get to the right people at the right time. Anyone who donated a Softie for Mirabel – who feels like an early run, we would LOVE any softies that you might be able to whip up!

If anyone has any further information that would be helpful, please post it in the comments here. Thanks a bunch.

xx Pip

EDIT – See this LINK for ways you can donate food, blankets, clothing and toys TODAY.

EDIT – See this LINK if you’d like to make babies and children’s clothing to donate in a few weeks time.

EDIT – Mike’s will be acting as a collection point for any handmade items you may like distributed. This includes toys, clothing and baby items. We will collect and store any donations until we work out the best distribution agency. You can find us at 63 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Victoria.

EDIT – More ways to help at Pip Stafford’s blog


10 Comments

  • Reply freefalling February 9, 2009 at 6:06 AM

    In the smaller communities where the big banks don’t live, people may have a Bendigo Bank Community Bank – they are taking donations over the counter too.

  • Reply handmade romance February 9, 2009 at 2:12 AM

    Thanks for all the info and links Pip. Feeling a little less helpless. Evie x

  • Reply giulia February 9, 2009 at 1:57 AM

    Oh, I am so sorry. Over here in the States (I'm in DC-area) there's not been enough news about the fires (some but I don't think the scope of it has hit here yet. Probably tomorrow). I feel just terrible.

    Thank you for the links & I'll spread them all over the place. (I found you through Wee Birdy.) And though it feels odd to write it now, you have a lovely blog. I look forward visiting in the future.

    Very best wishes & love from America. xoxo, Susan & GG

  • Reply Fibo February 9, 2009 at 12:31 AM

    Thanks for the online banking donation details Pip, I felt so helpless watching the news last night. I hope Victorians are generous in this massive time of need.

  • Reply Cath February 8, 2009 at 10:00 PM

    yes, Thans so much, I think we all feel desperate to help and I have just given some money but am keen to make nice things to send.

  • Reply .girl ferment. February 8, 2009 at 9:47 PM

    Thanks for collecting and sharing the details of ways to help.

  • Reply Kirsty February 8, 2009 at 9:44 PM

    Thanks for all these links Pip.

  • Reply cindy February 8, 2009 at 9:36 PM

    Thanks Pip, You are always a great source of community information. The whole thing is just so shocking and sad.

  • Reply Rach February 8, 2009 at 8:56 PM

    Hi there, just to let you know I am taking up a collection of handmade babies and children’s clothes at my blog (www.grandyandbaa.blogspot.com) These will be distributed further down the track (hopefully working with CWA on that). Rach

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