How can we help our disaster victims?

[old man emu]

There is no doubt that Australains who have not been directly impacted by the recent fire and flood situations are sympathetic to those who have. Merely say that the impacted are in our thoughts and prayers doesn't seem enough. What can we do?

 

Many victims only have the clothes they stand up in. Should we send clothing? Nice thought, but impractical. I volunteer at a charity shop where we receive bags and bags of donated clothing. It is a daily battle to sort through these donations to classify them and prepare them for display for sale. Even when that is done, we have difficulty in storing them. If we wanted to dontate them, where would we send them, and how?

 

Clothing is not the only thing that these victims need. Where's the bog rolls; the baby nappies, the female hygeine products, the incontinence pads? Did you ever think that these might be more important to some victims than a selection of clothing? 

 

The National Emergency Management Agency https://www.nema.gov.au/  is a Commonwealth agency whose goal is to lead and coordinate national action and assistance across the emergency management continuum. To do this the agency works with State and Federl entities, Charitable organisations and leaders of the Public Sector to get aid to victims of disasters in the immediate aftermath and later in the recovery period.

 

The best way for individuals to give help is by donating money to funds properly set up through charitable organisations and the like where monetary donations can be lodge into accounts managed by the major banks. The warning that must be given about donating is to never donate following a request made via a communication medium. If you want to donate, it is best to walk into a bank yourself. 

[facthunter]

Armed Or Just Bluff them?  Nev

[InayaSantiago]

Thank you for raising these important points. You’re absolutely right — while thoughts and prayers are meaningful, practical support is what really helps. Donating clothing can be well-intentioned but often ends up being hard to store or distribute, and other essentials like nappies, hygiene products, and incontinence supplies are often more urgently needed.

Contributing financially to reputable organisations, or through official government channels like the National Emergency Management Agency, ensures aid reaches those affected efficiently and safely. It’s also wise to avoid responding to random donation requests online and instead donate through trusted institutions or in person at a bank.

Every small, considered action helps those rebuilding their lives after disasters.