I want to do so much to help my city out during this horrible time, and have donated all my small budget will allow, and have registered for the clean-up effort, but felt a bit futile. I thought I'd use every outlet available to me to help spread the word about what Brisbane locals can do to help. As I'm still technically online editor of Frock Paper Scissors, that's certainly the best one I've got!
Queensland flood disaster – what you can do to help
Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by the devastating floods throughout Brisbane and Ipswich. It will take many hands to bring our heart-broken city back to life and many years for a number of families to get their lives’ back on track. However, Queenslanders are a resilient bunch, and we can make it through this tragedy if we band together.
There are so many things you can do to help the recovery effort if you can’t donate to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief Appeal, from cleaning up your neighbouring suburb, to giving up your couch or clothes. Hell, you can even buy more clothes for yourself and still be digging deep! Sophie Hill is auctioning off her wares at That Vintage with all profits going to the Flood Relief Appeal, and all Jeanswest stores nationwide will be donating their profits from Saturday January 15, as well.
Get your hands dirty
You can join the mammoth clean-up effort at one of four sign-up stations across Brisbane from January 15. Volunteers nominate a full or half day of work, and will be taken to the clean-up sites by bus. Sign up at Boondall Entertainment Centre, Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens auditorium, Doomben Race Course, or the MacGregor State High School auditorium. More information is available here.
Open house
If you’re sitting high and dry and your couch, spare room or backyard have been getting a little lonely, why not open up to flood evacuees big and small? You can list your property for free temporary accomodation here, because we bet it’s much cosier at your place than the RNA Showgrounds. Be sure to mention whether beloved pets are welcome.
Get creative
Wordsmiths can put their talent to a good cause by contributing to the upcoming 100 Stories for Queensland anthology by January 28. All (positive and uplifting) stories between 500 – 1000 words will be considered, and all sale profits will go towards the Flood Relief Appeal. Bibliophiles can also check out the auction of signed books and editing services from literary types such as Benjamin Law and Maggie Alderson at Writers Auction for Queensland.
Donate
If hoarding’s your bag, unload some of those material goods or purchase some non-perishable food to donate. Brisbane Helping Hands has a fantastic list of where to donate what, from clothing to furniture and nappies.
Queensland RSPCA is desperately seeking donations to fund the clean-up and reconstruction of their Fairfield shelter, which was badly damaged during the floods. All furry inhabitants are safe in foster care, but with the number of displaced pets and farm animals growing, it is vital their services get back up and running. They will not receive Government donations to aid the effort, so any spare dosh is much appreciated.
If you’ve got a lot to give and aren’t sure where to start, you can set up a profile at Flood Aid, connecting you with flood victims who might need your help. You can sign up for as much or as little as you want, and even offer a trade or service.
Please let us know of any other volunteering events or opportunities around Brisbane that we haven’t included.
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