Australian Bushfires Notice

Dear Freecyclers,

After the great devastation caused by the latest Australian bushfires, I wanted to reach out to you to suggest some ways Freecycle members can assist the recovery efforts.

1.Actively encourage representatives of community services/relief agencies that you know, to join our group and make wanted posts for specific community needs and post drop-off locations for donations

2. Pass on relevant information to effected friends and family. There is an online page of information here https://www.themelbourneinabox.com/blog/2020/1/1/bush-fire-resources that provides details of resources available to people affected, it is very informative.

3, Donate to reputable charities

This site for donations of most kinds, http://www.givit.org.au/items-needed there are many places that will accept donations who are on the ground and can act quickly to give what is needed. Go fund me sites etc can be misused, so here are the main charities who people can donate to: https://www.redcross.org.au/campaigns/disaster-relief-and-recovery-new-years-eve https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw

4. Offer shelter for displaced individuals if you have the space in your home. Offer to foster/house pets for fire effected people.

We can all make a difference, however small. I am, you are, we are AUSTRALIANS!

All the best, Nicole Group Moderator Lake Macquarie Freecycle Group