Surprise! We have an election date :-D

[freakiness]

Who would have thought we would get a date this early?

[happyroo_bunji]

Actually I am a little surprised that I have not heard mention of donation areas? Last time we were all advised where to deliver clothing, tinned goods, whatever they told us was needed, both for the fire and flood victims. I haven't heard any community announcements about this yet. Or have I missed them?? I'm on Sunny Coast, if anyone has heard, can you post a link?

Greencat after the 2009 fires and the floods that year.  The charity groups learnt the hard way about donations of goods.  An unbelievable amount of non usable goods were donated which had to be disposed of, then there was all the leftovers, the food went to foodbank.  But I have no idea what happend to all the clothes etc.  I do know that 2 shipping containers full of stuff was sent to Melbourne from my town alone.  Also the huge amount of resources used to sort and pack this stuff.

The groups now ask for money because it can be chanelled quickly to the areas needed most.

[twinkles**stars]

There were issues of donated money being given to those most in need.....the time taken was far too long. Some say it was not all given so where is it? Maybe why so many are wary of donating money again. Personally  I wont give a money donation through Red Cross due to that.

We sent 12 shipping containers of clothing and household goods up to Kinglake....apparently a lot was not used/ needed and have no idea of where it went from there.

[2106greencat]

Good point - shame though, many may not be able to afford $ donations but would gladly send unwanted household items in the hope it may help, but certainly see the logistic's involved. Just always feel like you have to do something! Sorry to hijack your thread OP, cheers for replies az and happyroo

[catsnknots]

A great idea is to have a garage sale of all items you can collect and then donate that money. 

There are lots of ways that people have invented to help that they trust... (and yes Twinkles I am talking about my community because that is my immediate concern) 

One place needed food for animals... a feed store said it would provide feed a  lower price... people can call up and buy with CC and they put the feed away for the animal shelter.. they got 350kg of animal feed by the end of the day... an amazing effort from all people in the state.. it was heart warming. 

Another is specific church groups in the community that the local council has directed people too so that donations can be made and you will know where your donation is going. 

http://bundaberg.qld.gov.au/news/2013/01/30/we-have-home-donated-goods

[freakiness]

A great idea is to have a garage sale of all items you can collect and then donate that money. 

There are lots of ways that people have invented to help that they trust... (and yes Twinkles I am talking about my community because that is my immediate concern) 

Yes, people here had fundraising garage sale, physical and online  😄

[twinkles**stars]

Not sure why I was singled out cat, but everyone in every event is important to us all I would think / hope. And priority be a must. A fellow member has water through their home....we have not heard more in over 24 hours other than they were ok.

[catsnknots]

I think you need to remember that the entire east coast has been in disater mode due to fires and floods...you are not the only communtity in need.

this is why you are singled out... 

my community is important to me and top of my list of concerns.

I am not so stupid as to not know that there are other emergencies in Australia... 

[twinkles**stars]

this is why you are singled out... 

my community is important to me and top of my list of concerns.

I am not so stupid as to not know that there are other emergencies in Australia... 

No one said you were stupid. I was merely pointing out there are many distasters at present and no one person can be everywhere at once:) Your community is no more important than others in dire straights right now.....no offence.

[happyroo_bunji]

There were issues of donated money being given to those most in need.....the time taken was far too long. Some say it was not all given so where is it? Maybe why so many are wary of donating money again. Personally  I wont give a money donation through Red Cross due to that.

We sent 12 shipping containers of clothing and household goods up to Kinglake....apparently a lot was not used/ needed and have no idea of where it went from there.

The money issue; there were many people who demanded money then cried foul when they were assessed as not eligible.  As for 12 shipping containers to kinglake, I doubt even half of them were opened, and I am positive you don't want to know what happened to the unused stuff.

[azureline**]

I was part of a conversation this morning where it was said that people without electricity for 48 hrs or more can apply for $1000 per adult and $400 per child, to replace food spoiled. One was about to replace her meat ($890 worth spoiled) by going through her insurance with a $500 excess.

Now they will get $2,800 to do it instead. Over compensated?

However, if anyone needs to do this, I believe all you need to do is apply via Centrelink, they have maps of areas with power outages for proof.