Tuesday 10 February 2009

Sad and Helpless





is how I feel right now. The tragic bushfires have affected our community badly - we live about 10 km (less than 20 minutes) away from some of the worst affected areas - we are all walking around as if we are in a daze. I can't imagine what it must be like in the actual burnt out areas and refugee areas. We know many who have lost their homes and have been left with nothing - but thankfully they are alive - we are still waiting to hear on many others, though. Many are living in the surrounding houses in our neighbourhood now. There are going to be many stories told of this dreadful time.

My childrens' lives have been affected as some of their friends come from those areas - a teacher lives in Strathewan, where there is a really heavy death toll, but thankfully, his house and family have been saved, but many of his mates didn't make it. Out of a township of 150 - 30 have perished. Other friends of theirs have told the fire stopped at the end of their street!

The enormity of the tragedy that is unfolding is hard to envisage - I know it will take years for the communities to recover. I feel so helpless - the coming weeks and months ahead are going to be so difficult for so many people - communities will need to be rebuilt - schools and homes - we are all going to be needed in some way.

Just going down to the local supermarket this afternoon, meeting friends and the stories of what people have been through is horrendous.

We can't do much on our own, and the Red Cross organisation and others like it are doing a wonderful job. I am cooking meals for people and taking them to where there are extra people staying in the area. It's not much - but it might help.

And in the blogging world there are so many out there already doing their bit. Here are a few of them Grandy & Baa, Beyond Pink & Blue, and Curly Pops has a big list on her blog on where you can help. And Melly & Me have an auction of handmade goodness for you.

16 comments:

rachelmp said...

It is just too tragic to get your head around. Thinking of you Cathy x

jessica daisy said...

So sad, my thoughts are with you x

driftwood said...

just so sad. xxx

Nikki said...

I think we all feel just as helpless... but your VERY practial help - however small you might think it is - is helping deal with a real need on the front line.

As a rear-guard action I'm having a sewing bee here on Saturday to help out with the kid's packs for Beyond Pink and Blue. All are welcome - just let me know if you're coming so I can organise the space.

hugs -
xn

Christine said...

Glad you are safe. Will be thinking of you.
Christine

Sheila said...

Cathy it's so sad. My heart goes out to all of you. Thanks for sharing with us. I'll be thinking rainy thoughts for you all.

Anonymous said...

Just awful - I've e mailed the toy society to see if there is an address where people from outside of Australia can send items.... if I get one I'll be sending some things ... take care
Lisa x

Helen said...

Thank goodness you and your family are safe. Must be devastating to be so close. There is a flickr group going to make blocks for quilts for people effected too.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/bushfirequiltproject/

PS - Looooove Ava's quilt. Stunning!

jacquie said...

i've been feeling pretty helpless so far away watching the devastation. know that our prayers are with you. i just mailed my blocks to tia's bushfire project. i hope it will bring a small comfort to someone in need.

Corrie said...

oh Cathy I had no idea you were so close...I hope they know how much the rest of australia is thinking about them. I can't imagine how it must be to know people affected.

we're bringing in our sewing machines and scraps to my quilting group next week to make quilts and on ravelry they are making blankets. Its a little way of helping on top of money we've donated which I know they need but doesn't feel as good as making something.

I am sure your friends will appreciate your help and I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. If there is anything else they need would you let me know as I can send it down with our collection to diamond creek.
take care
Corrie:)

Anonymous said...

Cathy,
It is so close to home isn't it. (I am about a suburb over from you I believe). We also know lots of affected people. It is really hard to get on with any "normal" things, and I have certainly not been sewing.

It is great that you are channeliing your energy productively. I seem to be spending all my time on the phone.

Take care. Don't get burnt out.

Unknown said...

I am lost for words Cathy.

Thinking of you and your community at this sad sad time.

Ingrid
xoxoxox

Handmade in Israel said...

Thinking of you all, Lisa x

LBA said...

:(

I hope you have now heard from all those you might have lost.

It has been truly, truly .. awful..

Anonymous said...

My thoughts are with you. I'm sure that cooking meals is a wonderful help to those that have extras staying with them at the moment. I can't comprehend what you guys are going through.

Lyn said...

We can not imagine what you are all going through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lyn
xxx