Victoria has experienced the worst bushfires in Australian history!

I know that I normally write about what is happening on SL, but to me this is important and I am asking you all to take the time and read the below information and help out where you can. I know we are all suffering from charity exhaustion and that there are so many people, animals and places that need help. This is important!

I live in Victoria Australia, and this is just horrific. Country Victoria was already suffering with the worst drought in over a century now a lot of the state has been wiped out from these horrific and devestating bushfires. These people are doing it so hard and have lost everything. Literally whole towns have been wiped off the map. So please, please take the time to read this and help out.

The final death toll of the devastating bushfires could be well above 200, according to reports of government crisis meetings.

With the official toll standing at 126, the fires are already the worst natural disaster to ever befall Australians. 33 people have died in the small town of Kinglake alone.

The Victorian government has been briefed to expect a final death toll close to 230, according to a report in The Australian.

The staggering death toll makes these blazes — some of which are still burning — the greatest natural disaster in Australia's history and authorities warn the number of fatalities is likely to rise even further. "The death toll is still likely to climb unfortunately," Country Fire Authority state duty officer Mark Glover told ABC Television.

A clearly shaken Kevin Rudd has told the Nine Network that if firebugs lit some of the bushfires then they are responsible for "mass murder". Kevin Rudd said "The nation should brace itself for a very challenging time ahead," Kevin Rudd has pledged an immediate relief fund of AU$10m which is fantastic but personally I don't think it is going to scratch the surface.

4000 people are without housing and clothing. 22 towns have been destroyed At least 750 homes have been burnt to the ground. More than 330,000ha burnt out, and authorities say some fires could take weeks to contain. There are massive fires still burning as I write this. Some of the fires are still burning, threatening the Glenhope area north of Melbourne and the towns of Beechworth and Yackandandah in the northeast.


There are two ways you can help out!

The Red Cross has set up an appeal online. They are the most reputable relief agency in the world! 100 % will go to the people in need. Just follow this link to the website...

Redcross Victorian Bushfire Appeal 2009

As at 2:30pm on the 9th February, the Redcross Fund had received $4.9 million from over 28,000 people through the website and phone, with governments including the Victorian Government and Federal Government and corporates pledging additional sums. Donations are still continuing to flow in. So please do you bit and donate some more.

Or you can help out inworld.
Autumn Hykova and Dakota Buck are organizing a fundraiser, and are asking for participants. They have organized a package that you can IM and collect from them. In this package is a donation booth and such and also a split profit script so people can donate a portion of sales. This is a fantastic idea and the money raised will go to helping out the bushfire victims.

So if you are a sim owner, designer - anything, please get in touch with these ladies and let them know what you can do to help and please pick up a package with the donation box! Every little bit does help. Even if you only donate a percentage from your product its better than nothing!

So please, help out where you can. It will make a difference and help out this incredibly in need Aussies. Australia is really hurting at the moment and could do with any help given.
Thanking you in advance.
Jennaa xoxo