There has been a groundswell of support for those impacted by last week’s bushfires; here are some ways to lend a hand.
Community Connections
West End Resilience is a Castlemaine community group that has created an online noticeboard where people can offer support and find support in the wake of last week’s bushfires. Visit: www.westendresilience.org.
Offers of support can be submitted via email to: ha************@***il.com. Also follow: www.facebook.com/TheHarcourtProgressGroup.
Fundraisers
Harcourt Football Netball Club is taking donations to provide directly to local families. See the link posted at www.facebook.com/HarcourtFootballNetballClubor email ha*********@*****ok.com.
Numerous people have set up ‘Go Fund Me’ fundraising drives. Visit the following page and search for ‘Harcourt’ to see a list: www.gofundme.com. (Please double check the recipient before sending your money and if in doubt, donate to Harcourt Progress Relief Fund).
Bendigo Bank is accepting financial donations that will go to community groups helping people impacted by the fires: www.bendigobank.com.au/community/foundation/disaster-appeals/victorian-bushfire-appeal/.
BlazeAid is volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters. Visit: blazeaid.com.au.
Native wildlife are doing it tough and carers are often strapped for cash, Red Box is a very proactive example, donate at: redboxwildlifeshelter.com.au.
Aussie Hay Runners is a grassroots organisation donating hay to fire-affected farmers, find bank account details to donate at: www.facebook.com/aussiehayrunners/.
Volunteer
A volunteer and equipment register is being built by Castlemaine Community House, Castlemaine Community Co-op, Castlemaine Lions Club and Connecting Country to help longer-term bushfire recovery. Castlemaine Community House is a hub for helping and connecting, keep up to date with them via: www.facebook.com/castlemainecommunityhouse/.
The Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre has set up a Spontaneous Volunteer Register to record expressions of interest from local people wishing to register their assistance in support of local fire-ravaged communities. Register skills and knowledge to assist with the recovery process when the appropriate time is right. Expressions of interest to: Bendigo Volunteer Hub, email: bv*****@***************rg.au or phone: 5441 1404.
Donations
Maldon Pantry is a partner of Bendigo Food Share, which is playing a key role in providing food to fire-impacted residents of Harcourt. You can donate to the Pantry directly on Wednesdays from 9am – 11am at 50 High St Maldon OR at Maldon Neighbourhood Centre at 1 Church Street from 9am to 3.30pm on other days. They’re happy to receive donations of pantry essentials, toiletries and pet food or donate funds to support their work, ph: 5475 2093. (Don’t forget that when you take your bottles to be recycled, you can nominate Maldon Pantry as the recipient for the funds.
Mount Alexander Animal Welfare (MAAW) is offering Pet Food Packs, kitty litter, blankets and bedding as well as water for affected livestock. They currently request donations of pet food and kitty litter and are located at 9 Langslow Street, Castlemaine, open 10am to 2pm Monday to Saturday.
