Come On Irene

25. August 2011 by admin.

OK - It’s rather simple. There is a potentially devastating hurricane heading towards the Eastern U.S. Just a couple of days ago an earthquake hit in two places in the U.S. - Virginia and Colorado.

So by now you really should have done your homework and should know what to do but just in case…

First go to www.ready.gov and find the disaster of your choice (hurricane, flood, tornado, etc.) Actually first check to be sure you have an Emergency Supply Kit ready. You may have all or most of the items in your home already. (For example - I have sleep apnea and have to use distilled water in the humidifier. I always keep about 10 gallons around because it does go on sale once in a while and just resupplied - s0 I have water.)

Then go here: http://blog.fema.gov/2011/08/irene-update-4-those-along-east-coast.html - Find your state, open the website and Facebook/Twitter pages if applicable. Bookmark them. Bookmark them again on your phone. (Most phones - even if not smartphones have some internet capability which you can use even without a plan.)

(For those of you not in the Eastern U.S. you can find your local Emergency Management organizations by doing an internet search.) Also find out the locations of local shelters and, if your family could be separated, plan where you will meet or who the contact person will be that is out of the area affected.

Most of this is logical but in an emergency we tend to forget this stuff.

I should have put this together at an earlier date for posting but it kept sliding to the back burner.

Right now we are in the middle of a nasty thunderstorm and the power may go out so I’m going to log off and shut everything down.

Good luck everyone.

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Japan Earthquake and Pacific Area Tsunami

13. March 2011 by admin.

 

The devastation in Japan this week has affected people on a global basis. Already the world is mobilizing to help the victims of the earthquake/tsunami combination hit. Here are ways that you can help and find out more information.

 

Finding People:

1)    If you are a US Citizen in Japan, you can reach out to friends or family by contacting the US State Departmen via email: JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. U.S. citizens in Japan are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/  As a citizen of another country you should contact the embassy or local consulate for your country to obtain further information and to register with them.

 

2)    GOOGLE  is also assisting victims to reach friends and family. The Google People Finder Japan Earthquake (http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en) allows both people looking for others as well as people with information about victims to post information. As of this evening (12 March 2011) they already had over 75,500 records posted.

 

3)    In addition the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has their Family Links website here: http://www.icrc.org/familylinks which helps people get back together due to conflicts or disasters.

 

If you are missing anyone who is in the affected areas I strongly urge that you register with both Google and the IFRC.

 

At this point it is very difficult to say exactly what the extent of need will be as a result of the earthquake and the tsunami.

Because of this, you might wish to wait and see how things develop not only in Japan but also throughout the Pacific region. Then you can respond to clear charitable needs.

Remember that responding right away is not always the best thing to do. Wait, see what the on the ground assessments are, who is responding and then make your contributions to the charities of your choice.

That said, you might still wish to donate now. If so, give to a reputable aid organization like the ones listed below. Some of them (such as the Red Cross, Save The Children, Salvation Army and others) already have a presence in the impacted areas and will therefore be able to respond in a faster and more efficient manner than organizations that will have to gear up and arrange to move personnel and supplies into the affected countries.

Please – prior to making a donation to any charity you have to do your “due diligence” and check that:

a)    it is a legitimate charity and not someone masquerading as a charity that you wish to support (most frequently this occurs via email)

b)    they are a bone-fide non-profit organization

c)  they are actually collecting money for a specific disaster unless you    wish the money to go wherever it is needed most

d)  the local office of that charity in the country where the disaster occurred  has indeed requested assistance. Sometimes even a legitimate organization will start collecting money in advance feeling they may be called for support and then it doesn’t happen so the money gets redirected to where they need it most and not to where you wanted to give the money.

e) Celebrity Charities can be extremely laudable. Many well-known figures support and donate to various organizations as well as raise money for them through different promotions. That said – a fundraiser that just states that money is being raised for relief efforts but doesn’t tell you where it will go or how it will be used should be avoided. In addition any Celebrity Charity should be viewed carefully. If the celebrity him/herself is just lending their name and not donating some of their own money then it becomes just a self-serving publicity move. Should you really support that?

 

You may also wish to contact your preferred charity’s local or national affiliate to find out how much of your donation will go to the affected area.

 

TEXTING DONATIONS:

While several organizations have set up text donation programs in the US and elsewhere I am not listing them at present. First a large portion of the money donated via SMS doesn’t always get to the charity you want to support after the phone company and the company handling the donation gets their cut. Secondly the money does not usually get forwarded from the phone company for about 90 days (or until they get paid by you) so the immediate help factor is negated to some extent. 

 

THE FRAUD FACTOR:

In the wake of natural disasters, soliciting for charitable donations to aid victims is an open opportunity for fraud. Many new websites miraculously appear that either give the impression of having been around for a long time or even imitating well established sites belonging to charities.

 

Fraudulent e-mails abound asking for donations and even giving you legitimate looking links. Don’t click on them. ALWAYS go directly to your charity of choices website by typing in the URL that you know and not by clicking on the link in an e-mail which may redirect you to a scam site that looks legitimate. And, because people tend to want to see photos of a disaster area DO NOT click on email attachments and links that claim to have photos of a disaster in them. They most likely have a virus instead. Go to a news site such as your local newspaper or the BBC, CNN, Fox, etc.

In the US, charity solicitations that seem suspicious can be reported to the Internet Crime Complain Center

http://www.ic3.gov/default.aspx  

or the

US Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at http://www.justice.gov/criminal/oilspill/about/ncdf.html

Even if you don’t live in the US you can and should still report suspicious charities to these sites.

 

CLOTHING, WATER AND FOOD DONATIONS:

A lot of people view a disaster as a way to get rid of surplus clothing and other supplies. Please don’t. It’s a disaster – not an opportunity for spring cleaning. Give money. Clothing, food and water have much higher shipping costs especially during a disaster. Money will go much further and the organizations receiving it will be able to use it more effectively as needed. Additionally one has to realize that, especially early on, it is hard to figure out what supplies will be needed. Japan, as a fully developed industrialized country, is fairly well stocked with provisions.

 

I STILL WANT TO DONATE NOW:

 Google has set up a special page here:

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

where you can make direct donations to various charities including the JAPAN RED CROSS

which means that 100% of your donation will go directly to them.

The following organizations are collecting money for disaster relief in Japan:

 

AmeriCares has sent an emergency response manager to Japan

https://secure.americares.org/site/Donation2?df_id=7659&7659.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=mvzwjcjfj2.app205b 

 

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC):

This link will take you to a page where you can then access the local Red Cross/Red Crescent organization for your country to make a donation. http://www.ifrc.org/en/who-we-are/directory/web-pages/

You will find addresses, phone numbers and emails that you can use to find out if they are collecting monies specifically for the Japan Disaster and how you can earmark the money for that.

You can also donate directly to the IFRC (instead of a country specific Red Cross/Red Crescent organization) here for bank transfers: http://www.ifrc.org/en/get-involved/donate/bank-transfer/

or here for online payments:

http://www.ifrc.org/en/get-involved/donate/donation/  (Visa and Mastercard only)

Another thing – if you are a member of American Airlines’ AAdvantage Program you can receive up to 500 AA miles for making a donation for Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami relief to the American Red Cross. Information on that program can be found here: https://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_corpmicrosite&s_company=americanairlines-pub&JServSessionIdr004=3v0tmvk9n1.app234b

Also - members of the Hilton Honors program may turn points into donations which Hilton will then match up to 250,000 dollars. More information on that can be found here: https://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=intlfedredcross&wt.mc_id=CMEM_BNftsbB8Zlv4De

More ways to donate to the Red Cross for disaster relief:

Cafe Press is selling a special T-Shirt where $10 USD will go to the American Red Cross for disaster relief. This is available from Cafe Press sites in various countries - not just the US. In addition many people are selling items through Cafe Press for similar purposes but please BUYER BEWARE. You really need to know sellers to make sure they aren’t just doing a quick “make-a-buck” scheme here.

 

Convoy Of Hope is already working with their partner organizations in Japan. Donations may be made here: https://donate.convoyofhope.org/sslpage.aspx?pid=419  and in the comments section you can specify that you wish the money to go to Japan Relief.

 

Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has responded by sending teams to the worst-hit areas in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures for starters. More teams will be dispersed as assembled and needed. Donations can be made here: http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/offices/  Find the country nearest to you and click on their web link. From there you will be able to make a donation. 

 

Global Giving has set up a page here:

 http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/japan-earthquake-tsunami-relief/ that will disperse funds to organizations providing aid and relief in Japan.

 

The International Medical Corps has deployed personnel to assist in the aftermath of the earthquake. You can donate or volunteer here: http://www.internationalmedicalcorps.org/Page.aspx?pid=332

 

The Salvation Army’s International website can be accessed here: http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf   There is a Donation Bucket link on the left side of the page where you can make your donation. I did not see a Japan-specific link on their site but do know that they are already providing active disaster relief on the ground through their Japan presence. They have had a presence in Japan since 1895 so they are well established over there.

 

Save The Children has set up a site for donations here:

https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6617251/k.7E71/Donate_to_the_Japan_Earthquake_Tsunami_Children_in_Emergency_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp?msource=wenlpaqk0311

They have sent an emergency team to help the staff that is located in Japan.

 

ShelterBox is an organization that provides emergency shelter and supplies for families affected by disasters around the world. They do NOT accept time or location specific donations but already have pre-positioned aid and are assembling a ShelterBox Response Team. Donations may be made here: http://www.shelterbox.org/donate.php

 

As always – if you come across any other charities anywhere on the planet that are gearing up to assist in this disaster please share the information with me and, after verifying it I will add to this list. Thank you.

 

 

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NEW ZEALAND EARTHQUAKE UPDATE - MORE WAYS TO HELP

1. March 2011 by admin.

It’s been two weeks since the devastating earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand.

Here are a few more links to help the victims of the New Zealand Earthquake:

 

The American – New Zealand Association is accepting donations here:

http://www.americannewzealand.org/

In addition they will be hosting a benefit at the Stone Street Tavern in New York City on March 5^th, 2011.

Information available at the link above as well.

 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Quake-Escape/113483948727733

 

If someone you know is having trouble with their phoneline due to the earthquake Vodaphone NZ is offering an

Emergency Mobile  Phone Pack here:

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/offersDetails.jsp?selectionKey=specials&offerReference=CHCHPack&voucherCode=CHCHPack

 

 

For those of you who want something for your donations:

http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/CHEQ

 

http://www.thesleepstore.co.nz/Earthquake.html

 

The Pink Noise Art Appeal at

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Members/Listings.aspx?member=3718218

is holding an auction to help out with the earthquake as well.

As always – keep me posted on anything else that you find.

Thanks.

 

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LIBYA

1. March 2011 by admin.

At this point humanitarian aid is needed for refugees fleeing the violence in Libya. Getting the aid to them is another story.

Many refugees are stuck in the “no-man’s land” at the Tunisian border unable to cross for various reasons. Ayman Gharaibeh, head of the Emergency Response Team of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has said that people have been waiting for over 4 days without shelter and food in the freezing cold.

Donations are needed urgently to assist people fleeing the violence in Libya. One can make a donation to the UNHCR here:    http://www.unhcr.org/emergency/libya/global_landing.html  

The International Committee of the Red Cross is also collecting funds to help with medical needs in Libya. Donations can be made via credit card here:   http://www.icrc.org/eng/donations/index.jsp

You can also donate via bank transfer from your checking or savings account by following the instructions below:  

Beneficiary:	International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
Bank address:	UBS SAPO Box 26001211 Geneva 2Switzerland
Swiss clearing code:	240 (for payments from Switzerland)
Swift code (BIC):	UBSWCH ZH12A (for payments from other countries)

Please utilize the correct account numbers for your currency:

Account No.	Currency	IBAN
240-C0129986.0	CHF	CH63 0024 0240 C012 9986 0
240-C0129986.4	USD	CH52 0024 0240 C012 9986 4
240-C0129986.5	EUR	CH25 0024 0240 C012 9986 5
240-C0183929.1	GBP	CH73 0024 0240 C018 3929 1
240-FP100362.6	CAD	CH09 0024 0240 FP10 0362 6
240-FP100362.4	AUD	CH63 0024 0240 FP10 0362 4
240-FP100362.5	SEK	CH36 0024 0240 FP10 0362 5
240-FP100362.7	DKK	CH79 0024 0240 FP10 0362 7
240-FP100362.8	JPY	CH52 0024 0240 FP10 0362 8
240-FP100362.9	NOK	CH25 0024 0240 FP10 0362 9

     Ongoing monthly donation arrangements may be made by filling out the form at this link: http://www.icrc.org/eng/assets/files/other/form_standingorder_eng.pdf

 

Should anyone come up with more information concerning humanitarian aid for Libya please advise me so that I can add it here.

Thank you.

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New Zealand Earthquake

23. February 2011 by admin.

 

New Zealand’s South Island has been hit by its most deadly earthquake in over 80 years. At present various countries from around the world are sending assistance but you can help as individuals as well.

 

DonationsPeople wanting to contribute to the response are encouraged to contribute financially ONLY. (No donations of goods or services are wanted at this time.)

 

Cash donations may be made to:

• Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate

OR

• Salvation Army: https://secure20.salvationarmy.org/donation.jsp  (Specify that your donation is for the ‘Canterbury Earthquake Appeal’)

OR

• World Vision: http://www.worldvision.org.nz/News/Emergencies.aspx If you have friends or relatives who are in the Christchurch are and are wondering about them The New Zealand Red Cross Person Enquiry Line is now activated.Phone 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276).From outside New Zealand call +64 7 850 2199You can also email the New Zealand Red Cross on nzrcneoc@redcross.org.nz

 Another tool you can utilize is the Google Person Finder: This tool can help you if you are looking for someone as well as if you have information about someone. 

 

If you are affected by the earthquake you can phone the Earthquake Government Helpline on 111 or 0800 779 997. This is a service for people requiring information on income support, housing options, health issues, community assistance, Civil Defence or any other government service.

 

 

TWITTER and the Earthquake:

Tweets within 50 miles of Christchurch

Realtime hashtags related to the earthquake: #eqnz, #nzearthquake, #chch, #christchurchquake

Safe in Christchurch: twitter.com/#!/safeinchch. For first-hand reports that people are safe following the quake.

 

 

FACEBOOK and the Earthquake:

Supporting Christchurch Earthquake 22-02-2011  Click on Discussions (on left side of page)

 Accommodation for Earthquake Stricken Cantabrians

 

As always I am asking for people to send me additional aid information as they find it. Due to my own health issues I am not able to spend a lot of time at the computer right now. So thanks in advance for your help.

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MORE INFO ON ASSISTING PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FLOODING AND MUDSLIDES IN BRAZIL

24. January 2011 by admin.

Water:

Clean drinking water is always a necessity in any natural disaster. Waves for Water (www.wavesforwater.org) is one of many organizations that provides a means to that end. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit uses 100% of public donations to directly fund sustainable water solutions in areas of that have been devastated by catastrophic events. Contributions may be sent to:

Waves For Water, Inc.527 San Vicente Blvd #210Santa Monica, CA 90402

Or via Paypal here:

https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=aJq-K8skxEpEwgDz9GxVgW7cPjdG4O70FpdPntkqYPuHy1rOEsrWqkWztrW&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8d9384d85353843a619606282818e091d0

 

LIONS Clubs International is also raising funds to assist in the Brazilian disaster relief. The funds will be distributed by local LIONS clubs in affected areas.  More information and ways to donate can be found here:  http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/lci-foundation/supporting-our-work/make-a-donation/lions-lcif-online-donation.php

The United Nations is also collecting money through its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) here: https://secure.globalproblems-globalsolutions.org/site/Donation2?idb=1649881960&df_id=1240&1240.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=sfh90kmju1.app227a  or, in the UK here: https://rsm2.rsmsecure.com/cpterminal/cpweb.php

as is UNICEF:  http://www.unicefusa.org/donate/index.html

 

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More information on how to assist people affected by the flooding in Australia.

24. January 2011 by admin.

From United We Stand website:

This Australia Day United We Stand is inviting people to a 20/20 cricket match followed by a concert to help raise much needed funds for those affected by the Queensland and Victorian floods.

Touched by the devastation in Queensland and Victoria, and not content to idly watch on, Melbourne man Leigh Douthie, 31, has registered the charity United We Stand (T/11/1033) to help raise funds for those Australians affected. With no prior fundraising experience he hopes to raise a significant amount to help his fellow Aussies rebuild after the floods.

Commencing at 10am on Wednesday 26 January, the event is being held with the approval of Parks Victoria at Cox Oval in Yarra Bend Park, Fairfield. The oval is located on Deep Rock Road, offYarra Bend Road (Melway reference 2D D5). Entry to the event is by gold coin donation. A barbeque, face painting for the kids, raffles and charity auction will be held along with the cricket match and concert to assist in the fundraising.All proceeds raised on the day will be donated to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal and Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal.

 

Live entertainment from Melbourne bands Hatch it Harry, Deadly Are The Naked, The Odd Socks, and a DJ set from Freya, will provide an eclectic mix of music to ensure all tastes are catered for. Corporate support is currently being arranged along with a celebrity presence to assist in raising awareness of the event.

Help is available for businesses affected by recent flooding in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia through a range of government assistance programs.

Here is a link to a page with a comprehensive list of state and federal emergency relief and assistance programs available to small business. The page will be kept up-to-date with the latest information and assistance. Revisit this list frequently to keep informed on changes and new assistance programs available to your business.

 

http://www.business.gov.au/Newsandfeatures/2011/Jan/Pages/Emergencyrelieffordisasteraffectedbusinesses.aspx

VICTORIA:

The Victorian Government has emergency relief grants for people affected by flooding across the State.People who are unable to return to their homes and require financial assistance to meet basic needs may be able to receive emergency assistance grants of up to $1067 from the Department of Human Services.

There are also means tested personal hardship grants of up to $26,000 to assist people whose homes have suffered significant structural damage, loss of contents and for extended temporary accommodation.  One can phone State Emergency Services for immediate assistance and information at  132 500

Several Emergency Relief Centres have been established at Bright, Creswickl and Euroa. More updated information can be obtained either from one’s local council or form the Storm and Flood Information Line at 1300 842 737

 More information can be found at: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/current-events/flood_recovery

If you need information on a missing loved one check with their local police station or go to www.redcross.org.au. In addition the National Registration Inquiry System is still available and approximately 5000 people have registered with it.

The Victorian Government has, in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross, launched the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal 2011. Funds raised will be used to assist individuals, families and communities in areas affected by the 2011 Victorian floods. To make a donation you can do one of the following:

1.      Make a secure donation at: https://www.redcross.org.au/Donations/onlineDonations.asp

2.      Make a donation by phone via credit card: +61 (0)1800 811 700

3.      Send a check or money order with a note that it is for Victorian Floods appeal 2011 to:Australian Red Cross Supporter Service CentrePO Box 2957Melbourne VIC 8060

4.      In person donations can be made at any ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, St George or Westpac branch.

5.      Funds raised will be used to assist individuals, families and communities in areas affected by the 2011 Victorian floods. Note that the Australian Red Cross will not deduct any costs from public donations to cover Appeal costs. All interest earned on donations will be invested back into the Appeal. In the event there are surplus funds any remaining monies will be used to support people and communities in preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters in Victoria.

GetUP! has developed OzFloodHelp.Org (https://www.ozfloodhelp.org/home/index) as a website where one can offer a place to stay for people affected by the floods as well as for people to find a place to stay.

People wishing to help by volunteering with the clean-up and other flood related things can visit this website: http://www.volunteer.vic.gov.au/information-for-volunteers/volunteering-in-an-emergency/register-as-an-emergency-volunteer and register.

Rural Finance is making available single payment Clean-up and Restoration Grants of up to $25,000 to primary producers, small businesses and not-for-profit organisations who have suffered direct damage as a result of the floods between August 2010 and January 2011. More information may be found here: http://www.ruralfinance.com.au/pages/Default.aspx?PageID=141&id=1

The Flood and Storm Information Line can provide updates on 1300 842 737.

The State of Victoria Traffic Management Centre has posted a list of closed roads here: http://mobiletraffic.vicroads.vic.gov.au/floodalerts/?intcmp=HPE00019

This is a link to the official Victoria State Emergency Services website: http://www.ses.vic.gov.au/CA256AEA002F0EC7/page/FloodSafe?OpenDocument&1=65-FloodSafe~&2=~&3=~

Victoria Health and Human Services website with information on Relief and Recovery Centres: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/current-events/flood_recovery/relief-centres

Victoria Health and Human Services guide to Financial and Material Assistance for flood victims:

http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/emergency/current-events/flood_recovery/financial_and_material_assistance

 

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FLOODING IN SRI LANKA

14. January 2011 by admin.

 

Sri Lanka is also having floods. Here is some quick information on how one can help there as well:

 

Sri Lanka Red Cross: http://www.redcross.lk/

 

BANK TRANSFER:

Donations may be made directly to the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s bank account in any currency you wish.Sri Lanka Red Cross Society’s bank address: 

Bank	: Bank Of Ceylon
Bank Branch and address	: Hyde Pak Branch, Colombo 10
Account Name& Number	: Sri Lanka Red Cross Society-DREF :A/C No: 6472475
Currency you can donate in	: Any Currency

In order for them to allocate your contribution correctly, please state clearly on with your donation one of the following:

Public Donation - unearmarked for general programs

or

Public Donation - insert name of program you wish to support, e.g. Disaster Relief Fund.

Go to the Sri Lanka Red Cross website and click on the Programmes link to see which programs need donations.  http://www.redcross.lk/

 

CREDIT CARD DONATION:

http://www.redcross.lk/make-an-online-donation.asp

 

 

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FLOODING IN BRAZIL and THE PHILIPPINES

14. January 2011 by admin.

As many of you may know both Brazil and The Philippines have also experienced severe flooding etc. with many deaths reported. So far I have not been able to verify any organizations that will be specifically dealing with the victims of these disasters except for the Red Cross in each of these countries.

So here you are.

I hope to find and verify more information over the weekend.

In the Philippines:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

In Brazil:

http://www.cruzvermelha.org.br/faca-sua-doacao

(Use Google Chrome and it will give you an option to translate the page into English at the top of the page.)

This is only a start. If you find any other information please let me know. Also be aware I will NOT post any information until I have been able to verify it.

As always, if you haven’t done so yet - please read the What’s Going On? section towards the bottom of the page. Thanks.

 

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FLOODING IN QUEENSLAND AUSTRALIA

10. January 2011 by admin.

 

Normally, when I post about a tragedy here it is about helping out a country where the entire population is impoverished. Because of that we all tend to forget that Mother Nature doesn’t discriminate and whenever, wherever a tragedy strikes we all need to pitch in.

 

The devastating floods in Queensland, Australia now cover an area larger than the size of France and Germany combined. People have been flooded out of their homes, are unable to work and have lost everything.

 

If you are missing a friend or family member in Queensland and cannot ascertain if they are alive click here: https://emergency.redcross.org.au/  to reach the National Registration and Inquiry System run by the Australian Red Cross and Emergency Management Australia.

Several ways have been set up to make donations and help in other ways. I am listing some of them here. Anything you can do to help is truly appreciated. If you have any other information that I can post here please contact me. After verifying the information I will add it to the list.

 

Thank you.

 

You can make a donation via your credit card by phone/Skype by calling  +61 01800 219 028. Please remember time differences when phoning Australia – especially from North and South America, Africa and the Middle East.

You can also donate over the internet. This is the  OFFICIAL State of Queensland Relief Appeal Fund:

Account Name: Premier’s Disaster Relief AppealBSB: 064 013Account number: 1000 6800

From outside of Australia use the SWIFT code for international donations: CTBAAU2S

Once your transaction is complete, you should record the receipt number for your transaction.  If you do not receive a receipt number, contact your financial institution.

If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, please forward a request, with proof of donation to:

Premier’s Disaster Relief AppealC/O Department of the Premier and CabinetPO Box 15185City East QLD 4002

You can donate by mail – however if you don’t have an Australian bank account monies will be removed for international transaction fees. Therefore I strongly urge you to use the above means via wire transfer to give the most effect for your donations. DO NOT SEND CASH!

 

Cheques should be made payable to:

The Premier’s Disaster Relief AppealABN: 69 689 161 916

Cheques should be posted to:

Premier’s Disaster Relief AppealC/O Department of the Premier and CabinetPO Box 15185City East QLD 4002

 

In person cash donations can be made in Australia at the companies/institutions listed below. Since many of the banks listed below have overseas branches in many countries you should see if you can make a donation at one of the overseas locations as well if you live near one.

 

·         Commonwealth Bank

·         NAB

·         Westpac

·         ANZ

·         BOQ

·         Suncorp

·         St.George Bank

·         Bank SA (Bank of South Australia)

·         Australian Central Credit Union

·         Savings & Loans Credit Union

·         Bank West

·         Australian Central Credit Union

·         Savings & Loans Credit Union

·         Coles supermarkets

(sourced from the official Queensland government website.)

 

 

While the Australian Red Cross is NOT raising funds at this time for the Queensland Disaster they are actively participating in rescue and support. As a result they will have added expenses. You can donate to them here:

 

http://www.redcross.org.au/howyoucanhelp_donationopt.htm

Note – the Australian Red Cross will be managing the funds raised by The Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.

 

OTHER WAYS TO HELP:

SpaceOut.com.au has set up HelpOut. If you can lend a helping hand to someone displaced by the flooding or you are a victim of the flooding you can find out more here: http://www.spaceout.com.au/helpout/helpout.php

 

If you have specialized skills (carpentry, electrical, etc.) please visit www.volunteeringqld.org.au or www.qbuild.qld.gov.au to see how you can help. Another site to check out if you have non-specialty skills and wish to help is: http://floodaid.com.au/ 

 

If you live in Australia and would be able to help house a pet during the cleanup process or know someone who would be willing to do so, please contact the RSPCA at +61 (07) 3426 9999

 

PLEASE READ THIS FROM THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS BRANCH OF THE QUEENSLAND POLICE SERVICE BEFORE MAKING ANY DONATIONS. THANK YOU.

 

Make sure you check before you donate

Authorities would like to advise those wishing to donate to victims of the Queensland floods to ensure they are giving their funds to legitimate charities.

Flood waters the size of New South Wales are currently covering large parts of the state, affecting thousands of Queenslanders.

Many of these people have their lost possessions and have not been able to work for some time.

Police urge anyone considering donating to check the identity of doorknockers and internet based appeals to ensure their money is going to those who desperately need it.

The best way for people to ensure their donation is going to the right place should:

-          Ask the doorknocker/collector to provide identification

-          Ask for proof of which charity they are collecting for

-          Check that the charity is a registered charity

Anyone who is unsure that the collector is legitimate should decline and make a donation through registered charity groups.

You can donate to the Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal by visiting www.qld.gov.au/floods, call 1800 219 028, or donate at the local branch of any major bank or at the checkout of your local Coles supermarket.

People experiencing personal hardship due to the flooding can call 1800 173 349 or visit the Department of Communities websitehttp://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/ for updates on the types and availability of support.

 

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