2009 Victorian Bushfire Appeal

Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?  ~Proverbs 6:27

The terrible devastation of the bushfire tragedy where over 1000 homes have been lost seems to deepen day by day.  It is the biggest natural disaster in our history.   I am heartened to see how our Australian community is banding together to raise much needed funds to support those who have been displaced.

Many people are auctioning items they have made by hand to raise funds.  Items are being listed on eBay such as this sweet Matryoshka doll by One Red Robin.  Melly and Me is running a private auction at their site with some very cute items up for auction.  There are more listings for handmade auctions on Handmade Help.

There are other ways to give and I am sure you'll find them in your local community.  My daughter will enjoy wearing her casual, no doubt 'pink', clothes to school on Friday as the school community commits to raising funds.

There are buskers in the streets raising money with their talents so I hear on ABC Classic FM.

You can also donate securely through The Salvation Army and the Australian Red Cross.

Do be sure that when you give it is through a secure, reputable source as sadly, just as there is likely an arsonist or two involved in this situation, there are now scammers just after our money.  This is the world be live in.

Crazy Hair Day

The greatest wealth is health. ~Virgil Power, 1860

Today Ess contributed to a special cause - namely Cystic Fibrosis. She participated in Crazy Hair Day at her Kindy. One of the families who attends Kindy with her deals with this terrible illness. It is hard to think what it would be like to be confronted daily with the fact that your child may not reach adulthood. Ess and Eee have colds now and we don't enjoy watching them going through such discomfort. What would it be like to have your child be all clogged and gunked up well nigh permanently? We feel for the family.

So Ess had tremendous fun having her hair done in a silly way in order to help kids with cystic fibrosis become adults. She was not keen to do so when I left her this morning and in all discussions we had at home. She told her teacher that she wasn't having it done at all upon arrival at Kindy this morning. She just wanted to watch. Imagine my surprise when I came to collect my daughter to find this approaching me.

Ess watched the others including her best friend receive their crazy hair-dos and then decided she wanted to be silly as well. I am really glad she did. Her confidence is certainly developing.

I am sure this sight has caused you to contribute to this cause and perhaps participate in your region.

So enjoy your health, have fun with your hair and remember those who may never reach your age. Sobering.