This morning members would have received the following in an email from our President, Raylee Bielenberg:
Our New Year has been smothered in smoke and full of concern for those affected by the bushfires. Many of us have friends and family in the areas that have been burned or are still in danger from the fires.
It is hard to sit still and many want to contribute to the well being of those affected.
We have collated a number of links for you to explore in order to contribute or donate as you choose, however…
As a group our skillset sets us up for help after the communities start to recover and our QFO group is ideal for this.
Can I encourage everyone to consider making a quilt to be completed through our QFO group. If we can concentrate our efforts in this area then we will be best placed to respond quickly to the call for quilts to go to those who have lost so much.
Many of you are probably acting ahead of this email and have started making. Thank you. We will need everyone who is able to help to do so and together we can have some comforting quilts ready to send when the time is appropriate. Makers, quilters and binders, everyone can be part of the quilts journey from Canberra Quilters to those who can use a hug in the form of a quilt.
There are various charities that are collecting items to send to help communities get back on their feet, but there is also the issue of storing and distributing those items. The time for quilts will come when those who have lost their homes and livelihood need both the warmth and comfort we can share through our quilt-making. Many times on the news they have made the point that if you can give funds that is often better than items that create a secondary issue and take personnel away from more pertinent roles at this time.
Therefore we have time to put our skills to great use and build the stock of quilts through QFO ready for when they are wanted and needed.
I look forward to seeing you soon at our February meeting.
Wishing everyone safety and clear air and praying for rain for our land.
Raylee
Red Cross Bush Fire Appeal – this is a great site for donating money to help at the ground level.
https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-donate
NSW Rural Fire Services – these are the men and woman that are on the ground fighting the fires in New South Wales.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade
Animal Rescue Craft Group – this is a Facebook group that works together to make things to help with injured wildlife.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/arfsncrafts/
Cool the Vollies – This initiative is looking to make 10,000 cool neck ties for volunteers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2121038621331981/
Crafty Fog Bushfire Appeal – Laura’s mission; To provide a co-ordinated effort to accept and distribute craft items to those who have been forced to leave behind their supplies. The aim is to provide full kits thereby enabling recipients to be able to get working on their craft without having to chasing up missing supplies.
Anglicare NSW South, NSW West and ACT
WIRES Emergency Fund for Wildlife – for those that want to donate to helping look after the animals impacted by this disaster.
https://www.facebook.com/donate/1386120504919105/10156697663782187/
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-thirsty-koalas-devastated-by-recent-fires
Oz Comfort Quilts – blocks and tops, or whole quilts for those affected
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1289190357933996/
GIVIT – give items or donate
http://www.givit.org.au/?fbclid=IwAR12pej_LVjntzunmWLFHTLS6ootzB6J_xKyt7zClMDx7GU2A5MGd2ufA_M
Quilts of Love for fire victims
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2523853717890563/
NSW Rural Fire Service – for info
Animals Australia – will take your fur coats if you still have any, to use for animals.
https://www.animalsaustralia.org/
(Quilt in banner is Wonder in the Woods by Bronwyn Hill. It was exhibited in the 2019 Members’ Exhibition)