Hello all and thank you so much for all of your comments of concern and support for those suffering in the worst bush fires we have ever seen. Unfortunately we can only report that the death toll continues to rise, the property loss gets greater and the fires are still raging out of control, threatening more towns.
A lot of you have asked how you can help, and we also have been thinking a lot about how we can help. We have done some research and at this stage the Red Cross is asking that people do not donate "items" due to the logistics of distribution and the delays in items reaching those in need. The real need is for financial donations so that people can have their needs provided for in a quick and effective way. Therefore we have tried to think of a way to meet this need while still combining our craftiness.
For now we have decided to run a silent auction of some of our items through this blog.
Below this post are some pictures and details of eight items we would like to auction. If you would like to bid on an item, please comment on that item or email us. You can bid for items in Australian dollars or US dollars but please advise if using US dollars. We will accept payment via paypal or direct deposit (Direct deposit only for those in Australia) and we will cover all of the postage costs.
So, how can you help us????? We would be very grateful if you would firstly BID!! - we would love to raise as much as we possibly can. 100% of these funds plus a top up from us will go directly to the cause so please dig deep. Secondly we would love you to link into this auction if you have a blog so that we can get as big an audience as possible. Thirdly why not do the same??? If you decide you would like to join us in our fundraising appeal by auctioning some of your own items on your own blog please let us know and we will definitely link in to your auction. This Auction will close on Saturday morning the 14th February so please get your bids in! Thanks again and if you are wanting to hear about a couple of other efforts for this cause please see here, here and here. Or visit the Red Cross website to hear more of make a donation.
Melly & Rosie
UPDATE.... Maree has now joined us by auctioning some kits and fabric bundles over at her blog so go and check it out!!!
Hi Ladies, I have started ablog called Handmade Help listing handmade items that people are selling to assist. Can I please let people know about this one and publish some pictures.
Thanks Here is a link if you want to check it out. http://handmadehelpsout.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-be-involved.html
Posted by: Cindy | February 10, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Hi Melly & Rosie,
What a wonderful idea. For the last few days I have felt quite numb - not knowing how I could possibly help (apart from giving $). So I'm going to put a bid in and encourage everyone else to do the same. Good luck and I hope you raise lots of money.
Linda
Posted by: Linda | February 10, 2009 at 02:04 PM
You two are amazing!!
Posted by: Maree @ Farmyardcrafts | February 10, 2009 at 02:23 PM
Wow that is so generous - I will be sure to mention on my blog, in the Etsy forums, on Facebook and Twitter - really great - now I just need to decide which one to bid one..decisions... decisions...
Posted by: Heather | February 10, 2009 at 02:40 PM
I have posted a link on my blog. I hope it does some good.
Posted by: frazzy dazzles | February 10, 2009 at 02:48 PM
I will add a link to my blog ASAP thanks very much .
clares craftroom
Posted by: clare bower | February 10, 2009 at 03:35 PM
Thats a fantastic way to help! Ill be putting in a bid or two!
Posted by: Kate | February 10, 2009 at 03:44 PM
just added the link to my blog post!
Posted by: Cathy | February 10, 2009 at 05:39 PM
I put an article on my blog and a message on the forum where I go.
I would do my bidding in my home because here I am at work so I do not have my email address on hand.
see you soon
Posted by: yayie | February 10, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Hi Melly & Rosie, I love your softies and I think you are both wonderful donating your creations for such a worthwhile cause. I've put links to your blog and the others you've suggested on my blog. I was too slow to bid for your goodies, they are going for some very nice prices, but too steep for me I'm afraid. I'm going to see what I can whip up to donate. Hugs, Kelly :-)
Posted by: Kelly | February 10, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Terrific way to help and I hope everyone is as generous as you. I'll be doing a blog post perhaps tomorrow about your efforts. I'll have to see what I can come up with too.
Posted by: Stephanie | February 11, 2009 at 12:33 AM
Hi Melly & Rosie,
I've linked your site to my sister's blog so hopefully a few more bids will come from there. Hope you raise lots of money.
The blog if you want to look is
www.bethanygraceroberts.blogspot.com
Good on you for putting this together.
Posted by: Caitlin | February 11, 2009 at 08:20 AM