I don’t need to tell you how devastating the floods have been, and continue to be.
I don’t need to tell you how heart wrenching the stories of survival have been, and continue to be.
I don’t need to tell you how heart breaking the stories of loss of life have been, and - Please God - will not continue to be.
I don’t need to tell you how incomprehensible it is that a town 750m above sea level was hit by a tsunami of water.
I don’t need to tell you how incomprehensible it is that a country ravaged by drought, is now, literally, drowning.
I don’t need to tell you how incomprehensible it is that people have lost everything – their homes, their business, their financial security.
What I would like to tell you is that the lovely Lisa Tilse is running a raffle on her blog The Red Thread. Lisa is very generously giving away a Janome Sewing Machine plus much much more. All you have to do is make a $10 donation to The Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, register your receipt number with Lisa by midday January 26 (Sydney time) and you could be the lucky recipient of some lovely prizes. The more times you donate the more times you can enter. Pop over and donate now, peeps.
all images courtesy and copyright of The Courier Mail
I spoke with one of my colleagues in Queensland Monday morning, and listened to her tales of homes lost. I heard the fatigue in her voice when she told me the joy a batch of home made scones had bought to her tired and stressed colleagues. Listening to her talk it almost sounded like she didn’t quite believe what had happened herself.
Queensland and Victoria have a mammoth task ahead of them over the next couple of years. We need to do what we can to help our mates – wherever they are – get up, dust themselves off and rebuild their lives. We are crafters Gals, we are that special breed of people who know how special the handmade is. Donate as much as you can, as much as you are able. And then if you can, knit blankets, knit scarves and hats. Knit jumpers and cardigans and wraps. Join a craft group (or even start one) and make softies for the children who have lost everything – even something soft to cuddle at night. And then, when they come back to your local greengrocer, buy Queensland and Victorian produce. Book a holiday this year to Queensland or Victoria.
And if you are so, like me, are outraged at the bastard insurance companies who are refusing to pay out to people who have faithfully paid insurance premiums over the years - only to discover there are floods and then there are floods - then maybe just maybe you would like to reconsider who you spend your insurance dollar with. My insurance is with AAMI, and they – unAustralian Bastards that they are – are refusing some claims on the grounds of what determines a flood. So I’m not renewing with them. I’d rather pay more with a company who has the integrity and courage to play fair, and pay claims. And I encourage you to do the same.
We have seen tremendous Australian Spirit with people coming from everywhere to help in the cleanup. It’s one of the best qualities we have in this country- we rally round people, whether we know them or not, and do what we can to help them get back on their feet. Let’s tell Big Business that we expect them to play fair too.
Love and Light Peeps. And thanks for listening.
xxx
