The bushfires that have ravaged parts of Victoria this week have created tragic circumstances not seen in this Country before. The worst natural disaster in Australia’s history with estimations of 300 lives lost, 1800 homes destroyed and thousand of lives changed forever.
The outpouring of support from individuals, businesses and celebrities has been quite staggering. Current calculations have approximately $75 million dollars pledged. Like always, the Red Cross have been exceptional in managing this process.
I do hope, however, that the plights of many Australians in need on a daily basis are not forgotten. If anything perhaps bringing together the community as this tragedy has inadvertantly done will make us more conscious of supporting those around us.
It is estimated that over 100,000 people spend every night without a roof over their heads. Not to mention the thousands of individuals and families living below the poverty line for a variety of reasons. The job losses we are absolutely certain of facing over the coming months will mean these hardships reach a scale not experienced by the majority of the population.
I am assuming those Companies that have so generously donated enormous amounts of cash have not and will not be laying anyone off in the near future.
I thank every individual and organisation who have donated money to the bushfire appeal, however please keep in mind those who continue to need help daily yet are rarely recognised in the mainstream media.
It is times like these that we all must support those around us like we have supported the victims in Victoria. The levels of support are symbolic of what can be achieved.
I hate to be cynical but do we really need a “telethon” to get corporate Australia pledging to the levels seen over the past few days. And please do not feel the need to run TV ads to tell people that your company will be donating money. Maybe use the money spent on the ads to add to your donation?
To individuals, business and celebrities; Remember the feeling when you decided that you wanted to help over the past week.
Hold that thought.
It is what makes us great and it just makes sense.
