Bush Fires!
Here in Florida, usually between the months of April and June, we experience a fire season. In areas which are heavily wooded, spontaneous fires sometimes start up because of lightening storms. Last year, there was a horrible fire which lasted for days and was accidentally started by a couple of teenagers. Many homes were lost, but nothing on the scale of what’s going on in Australia right now.
So many of the citizens there have lost homes, family, pets, everything. The devastation is unimaginable. I have seen posts on forums I belong to telling the most horrible and heart-wrenching stories you could ever hear. The photographs show sights that make you shudder. The wildlife is being destroyed in one of the most unique ecological systems in the world. There are photographs of Koalas begging for water, livestock in fields surrounded by fire, and more.
There is a way you can help. The Australian Red Cross is collecting donations which will go directly to those most in need. They have stated that none of the contributions will go toward administrative fees (a much criticized use of funds in the past). I’m posting the link to donate below. It will remain on this page until such time as I am able to find a direct donation page for these victims on the Salvation Army site, since I prefer to donate through them.
I hope you will find it in your hearts to give what you can to the people of Australia. I know times are tough for us here in the US, but for those who live “down under” right now, times are as tough as they will ever be.
http://tinyurl.com/Bush-Fires-directdonation
If you live outside of Australia and need to check the exchange rate, here is a very good link:
