Clothing for bushfire victims

[Kezza]

I was listening to the radio this morning on the way to work and heard about some very generous transport companies donating semi's to take needy items to Victoria for the Bush Fire Victims. One of the things mentioned that people were desperate for was clothing as many only have what they were wearing when they left their homes.

I have 3 large garbage bags of large size clothes that I will never need again and rather than go to Salvo's or Vinnies I thought they would be more appreciated in Victoria at the moment.

If anyone has any thoughts on how something like this could be co-ordinated maybe via each of the clinics, I'd be happy to drop in with my donation.

Anyone else got any suggestions or solutions?

Kerri

[Tito]

Hi Kerri,

What a fantastic idea, I have already noticed that some of my clothing is too big (nice problem to have) and was considering giving it to either friends or salvos, but as you said most people only have the clothes on their backs so this sounds like a better idea.

Did you know that Coles are donating all profits from their sales on Friday 13th February to the Bushfire Appeal.

[Kezza]

Hi Tito

Yes - I did just hear something on the radio about coles making a donation. Wouldn't it be lovely to see all major corporations doing something similar.

[cc75]

hi kezza and tito - kay and i are donating all of our 'too big' clothing (81 items in total) to the bushfire relief. here in canberra one of the local radio stations is organising it and a few couriers have volunteered to drive it down to victoria.

there must be other drives happening in other states. check out your local and state government websites for more info (or try popular radio stations).

i'll be doing all our meat shopping, and groceries for the kids at coles on friday!

good on you both - cc

[JennyC]

I also have bags & bags of my old clothes to donate and was only going to drop them down to the local salvos. If anyone has heard of anyone in Brissy who will be transporting clothes etc to Victoria, I will be down there with my bags ASAP.

JennyC

[Tito]

Couriers Please 1300 36 1000 in Brisbane are organising to transport items of clothing, bedding and non perishable food to Victoria. If you call the above number they will be able to direct you to your closest depot for drop off.

It might be a good idea to clearly label the boxes with sizes etc to make it a bit easier to be sorted once it arrives in Victoria.

[belinda]

Every little bit helps..... I took some items down to the local relief centre and it was greatly appreciated.... I am 800metres fromthe devestation.....and I know many families who would appreciate your donations.... coat hangers are also welcome... I had many left as I stripped the wardrobe of all my larger clothing and items I would never wear again including winter items and found many many empty hangers which were gladly accepted.....

[new_ruby]

Interesting that some of you have had the experience that these clothes are 'welcome'....
I am 30 mins from the epicentre of destruction, and after bagging up 4 garbage bags full of (now) too big DECENT clothing (casual, work clothes, shoes, handbags etc), along with hubby's & baby's stuff too... Well no-one wants it !! Actually, the charities appear to have been so overwhelmed by the generosity of willing donors, that the Red Cross, St.Vinnie's, the Brotherhood of St.L, and the Salvos have TOO MUCH stuff to wade through.
They have put notices in papers down in Melbourne stating that, although all gifts and donations are greatly appreciated, they simply do not have any more storage capacity nor transport available to move all the tonnes of goods which have been donated over the past week.
Hence, we are holding on to our bags for a month or so before we drop off to a Red Cross centre, or until we hear of someone directly who is in need...
at least we can't complain that people aren't willing to help!
R

[asy]

Belinda, It's interesting that you say Coat Hangers are required.

I'd heard that really some of the most odd things are what are most required, like Mobile Phone rechargers!

It's good of you both to help where you can.

Can either of you shed any news on what else is going on out there?

asy.

[belinda]

As new Ruby has noted she is correct in that all donations of clothing are no longer being taken due to the over whelming amount that they have recieved. The local relief centres in Yarra Glen and Whittlesea are now accepting donations of fencing and hardware supplies along with pet food supplies. Most of the centres though do not want dog and cat products as they have recieved plenty and would encourage donations of horse food, chicken food, and wild bird seed to help with promoting and feeding the native birds which populate the areas of devestation. It is absolutley fantastic to see the Red Cross and the government distributing some of the money to families immediatly. The insurance assesors are making their way to the properties affected and then the clean up can begin. The army is helping remove the burnt out remains of sheds nad out buildings once assesments have been carried out.
It is fantastic to have had 2 clear smoke free days recently although the cleaning of ash and dust through all houses in the vicinity is enormous..... I have spent 3 hours cleaning my house today...window sills scirting boards, benches etc... still need to wash the bedding in the spare room and would love to clean the windows....next week end...
take care....