QLD Flooding

Hello there lovelies,

As I'm sure you're aware, things are pretty crazy in Queensland, Australia right now. The picture up top is of the shopping complex that I work in late this afternoon. The owners built it high, and raised because they knew the area was prone to flooding, and still the water is only a metre away from the shops. My local grocery shopping complex is also completely under water. The Boyfriend & I are safe, although neither of us can make it to work (boo for me having to go to work at another store). We are safe, but so many people have lost everything, including their homes and family members in this tragedy. We are now up to a confirmed 12 dead, with at least 43 still missing. Everywhere we look we see more damage, and we are inundated with flooding horror stories.

If you're somewhere in QLD, and need info about the flooding (and obviously have internet access since you're reading this), check out Facebook for some solid information (eg. Toowoomba & Darling Downs Flood Photos & Info, Brisbane Area Flood Photos & Info, Queensland Police Service). Check here for a list of current road closures throughout the state.

Also, there are a crap load of ways that you can help out. Please think of donating to QLD Flood Appeal, Toowoomba Flood Appeal or RSPCA QLD Flood Appeal. If you're in the area, think about donating blood because I'm sure there will be a shit load of injuries at the moment. Locals can also keep their eyes out for organisations mounting collections of clothes & household items. I know one has started in Toowoomba, so I'm sure Brisbane can't be far behind. If you can't find a collection, you could always sell your unwanted items and then donate the cash?

If you're an out of towner, or just flat broke, consider something like this:

Handmade Help - are asking for donations of handmade items to be sold in the Craft Relief Online Store with proceeds going to the QLD Flood Appeal and RSPCA QLD Flood Appeal.

make it perfect - is organising bloggers to run auctions from their blogs, of items that they make, or items from their stores with proceeds going to the QLD Flood Appeal.

My heart is with every one of the people affected by this disaster. I am so sorry that you guys have been hit so badly, when I'm sitting here safe and dry. And I'm sorry that my company is forcing me to work, when otherwise I would have time to actively help. I wish that I could bring your families and your homes back, and make everything the way that it was before. I wish that I could have jumped into the flood waters and saved every single one of you. But at least this is something, right?

Until next time, xo.