We’ve all watched the news of the floods in QLD & NSW evolve with a sense of horror and sadness over the last few days and like so many other Australians out there who haven’t been directly impacted, want to know what we can do to help those who have.
10’s of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and have their belongings destroyed with their livelihoods left in the balance. Tragically, at least 10 people have been killed as a result of this catastrophic weather event that is unfortunately, not over yet.
If you’re like the team here at ALRA and want to know how you can contribute to those impacted by these devastating floods, we’ve put together a list of sites & pages you can visit.
How to Help?
Donate Items
With so many people having lost not just their homes, but all of their belongings there is a huge demand for even just the basics to get them through the next couple of days.
- Vinnies have launched a flood appeal linking people with clothes and food. You can donate clothes to your local Vinnies or donate money via this link.
- GIVIT is matching flood victims with exact items they need. The site rolls live requests from people who have been impacted which could mean donating nappies to a family with young children or a walking frame for an impacted elderly person. Visit this link to learn how you can donate.
- Sydney-based clothing store For Artists Only is running a donation drive. They’re accepting hardware vouchers, non-perishable foods, baby items, toiletries and electronics. You can check back on the page here for more updates.
- In Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, local store Plant & Prosper co are taking donations of clothing, baby items, non perishable food and more. You can drop off at 122-128 Hewlett Street, Bronte.
- There are also numerous other local appeals being made for goods through local Facebook groups, so be sure to check out your local community group to find out if anyone nearby is running a drive.
- Please note that when donating items & clothing, that all toiletries are required to be brand new & clothing / blankets are required to be in good condition. If you’re unsure about what you can donate, speak to the organisation you wish to assist prior to dropping off goods.
Donate your Time
- Brisbane City Council has teamed up with the Mud Army to start to coordinate the clean-up effort – click here.
- Many of the places that are organising goods drives also require hands on deck to sort through donations & prioritise where they should be sent. If you have time to spare, give your local red cross or community charity a call to see how you can help.
Donate Money
The simplest way to help that can be just as useful and meaningful is to simply donate whatever you can spare. A short list of organisations accepting monetary donations specifically for the disaster recovery include:
- The Red Cross
- Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal
- Foodbank who are active on the ground ensuring people have the food they need.
- Vinnies
- The Koori Mail who are supporting the Bundjalung Aboriginal community who have lost almost everything.
- The RSPCA (many animals have been stranded or displaced)
- WIRES (for native wildlife affected) WIRES & the RSPCA also require donations of animal bedding & blankets.
- Good2Give – who have amalgamated a list of places that require donations.
- NSW SES
- QLD SES
Check in on your Friends & Family
If you know of anyone who has been affected by the floods or who may be in danger of rising flood waters over the next couple of days, please check in on them & ask if they are okay (physically & mentally). This is a very difficult time for many people but a reminder that there are people care & can support them may make a world of difference.
If anyone is struggling, please contact or encourage your friends / family to seek help. Beyond Blue, Lifeline, Kids Help Line, MensLine & FriendLine are just a few of the wonderful organisations who offer free, immediately available mental health care services.