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In tough times, the traditional Aussie values of mateship and lending a helping hand will always come to the fore. When people are suffering from natural disasters such as the 2011 Queensland Floods the majority of Australians are very keen to help out wherever they can. The problem though is working out the best way to help flood victims – without causing more problems, or getting in the way of the relief effort.
A natural first reaction for most people, is to think about the types of things that flood victims might need, then consider what things they themselves have (and could do without), and then wonder how they should go about getting their stuff to the places they are really needed.
Undoubtedly many of these donated items would be useful, but unfortunately, even though it may initially seem to be a great idea, the donation of items or goods, is rarely a practical solution. Unless you are located in or very near to the flood affected areas, the costs associated with receiving, storing, transporting and distributed donated items are very high, and typically it could end up costing significantly more to pass on donated items than it would to provide new items purchased in the local community.
When to make Financial Donations
Unless you live in or near affected communities, the best way you can help is very likely going to be to make a financial donation to the Disaster Relief Appeal. This fund is managed by the Red Cross and used to help fund the most appropriate support in the areas where it is needed most.
When to Offer Items / Services
Floods have an impact on entire communities, however , many people (living or working on higher ground) may not be directly affected, and would LOVE to be able to help, but are not sure how.
HelpOut is an online service aimed directly at people living or working in or near to flood affected areas who are wanting to help, and also those needing help. If you are part of a local community, and are living or working in or very near a flood affected area, then with HelpOut, the donation of items, goods or services could become a viable options.
HelpOut allows people to list the types of items or services that they can help out with, in the specific area or community that they are able to assist.
If you need help, or could do with a helping hand, you can also create a Help Wanted listing – which specific what you need, and where you are located.
Note: HelpOut is not able to coordinate or be involved directly with individual offers or requests for Help or assistance, the service simply allows people offering help to get in touch with those needing help – and let them sort out the details between them.
What types of things could I offer?
There are many many thing that could be assistance to the Qld flood victims – many communities have been devastated and some have lost everything, so pretty much anything which might help them get started on the road back to a normal life could be of benefit. It’s not only goods and items that are of help though. offers of a helping hand, a bit of a break, or even a shoulder to cry on can help a lot. Often very simple things can make a big difference as it reminds the flood victims that they are not alone, people really do care, and that their lives will return to normal even if it takes time.
Outline below are a few suggestions for simple, but practical, hands on thing that you may not have considered, but if you have any other ideas, please feel free to leave a comment below.
- looking after a pet or caring for livestock
- offering a home cooked meal
- washing and drying a load of laundry
- inviting them around for a DVD and popcorn (a taste of normality)
- and many more..
Help by Spreading the Word
Even if you live elsewhere in Australia, you can help spread the word about HelpOut – particularly if you know someone or have contacts in those parts of Queensland that are being affected by flood. If you let people within these local communities know about the HelpOut service they may be able to create their own listings.
Also, clearly people who have been affected by the floods are likely to have little or no access to the internet. If you have friends or family who are suffering form the flood, and have some specific needs, you could consider creating a listing on their behalf – outlining what they need a hand with (make sure that you specify their location though – not your own).
i live in albury,i cant donate money to the flood victims but i have 2 bedrooms in my house that i can accomodate people in, i really want to help. i cant stand the thought and reality of people homeless, because of the devastating floods, and i have 2 rooms free. i want to help a small family in need, i treat ppl the way i would want to be treated in these extremly terrible circumstances. please someone take up my offer. my back yard is empty 2 so a few animals can go out there Aswell if needed.
We )Family of 4= would like to offer a spare room (suitable for 2) for flood victims and/or foster a pet. Don’t hesitate to contact us – we would love to help out!
Sandra
I live in Woodridge.. I am wanting to help everyone in need of help… i can look after animals, i can accomodate people as i have 2 large rooms not in use. I can give meals and wash laundry… if you are one in need of help please contact me on 0423076951.
Thanks Rachael and Debbie, I’m sure people will appreciate your offer.
To get your offer out to people in your own area, please create a listing outlining where you are located and what you have to offer at : http://www.spaceout.com.au/helpout/create-a-listing.php
can offer housing of livestock have 150 acres of good feed im in victoria only an hour out of melb but if we could organise a cartage company to help we could house animals for flood victims we are in Broadford Victoria 3658
my name is adam and i live in sydney nsw and iam wondering how i can get to qld to help the with the floods iam an excavator/truck driver expereince in car recovery also contact 0410166998
Thanks for all your offers of support folks, but we are not able to publish offers for help as comments. If you would like to help, Please create a listing via : http://www.spaceout.com.au/helpout/create-a-listing.php
I am holding a fundraising event for the victims of the flood disaster on the 30th Jan, hope to raise some much needed funds.
I want to offer all attendees a clothing drive but don’t know who is looking after this? Does anyone know?
I living in victoria and i am waiting to try and organize a drive in my area for donations for the flood victims, like clothing, shampoo, nappies just anything like that, and i am not to sure on who i would contacted about it. If anyone has any ideas that would be great Thanks
I would like to organise a supplies package at my workplace CBD Adelaide – non-perishable food stuffs and toiletries etc, to assist the flood victims. Is there a South Australian body which is co-ordinating this type of assistance?
I’m living in Fortitude Valley on a high point. I have a room and would be glad to help a few people that may need accomodation for a few days.
@Samantha
There is a website at http://www.qldtoyappeal.com.au – They are in the process of arranging drop off locations for toys and nursery items in all states – at present it appears they already have locations in SA organised. Perhaps you could contact them regarding transportation of other items to QLD.
We live in rural NSW (Barraba) and have 2 spare rooms in our house. We would love to offer our home to share with a small family, rent free, for as long as it is needed. You can bring your pets, even larger ones, as we have a couple of paddocks. Apart from donating money, this is a way we can help, and we would love the company !! Please ring Kathy on 0458 458 121. Please only genuine people to contact us.
Hi wanting to donate clothes,shoes at other things to help these brave people,live in Melbourne and wondered if anybody knows the drop off point?thank you
Hi
I have a spare double room if someone needs emergency accomodation in the floods I would love to help. Watching what has happened has been heart breaking.
I live in Chambers Flat in Queensland. I live on a small acreage so can accomodate a pony/horse and one or two small dogs (as I have two large ones myself) My friend in the same area can accomodate 2-3 cats ( has wonderful cat aviaries) and of course I would love to share my house with someone in need ( have two spare bedrooms) (07) 55468804
I have two rooms vacant at Beenleigh, QLD only until Jan, 22nd should they be required. Could also provide meals to be arranged. (07) 3287-3312
I HAVE LOTS OF GIRLS, BOYS, MENS AND WOMENS CLOTHING TO DONATE. WE CAN DROP OFF TO EVACUATION CENTER TOMORROW
I have clothing, electronics and other needful items and accessories that I would like to donate. Please contact ASAP via email or mobile 0405309769. I Live in Sydney and I want to contribute. Also, I am more than happy to travel to QLD to give a helping hand to clean up and restore QLD communities for as long as it takes! I am not a wealthy person, so money is a bit tight, but again, I have other means of donations. Can someone contact me soon.
@Sarah
Hi Sarah,
My name is Louise, I live in Melbourne as well & was wondering the same thing, have u any idea as yet? I’m looking into it too so, will let u know if I find out anything ok
Regards.
Louise
I live in Redbank Plains. The next suburb to us, Goodna, has been devastated but we were not affected. We feel we are the lucky ones, and want to help out. I cant do much financially but have some storage space, Can cook meals for the evacuation centres, we have a ute to help with larger items, or pick-ups and delivering of donated items, we will help clean up, even do loads of washing if people need it. I am a community services worker, have a working with children card, and am available even to sit and chat. My husband has a handyman business and can help with any maintanence and construction. We have 5 teenage children who also want to help in any way they can.
I own a cleaning supplies business in Victoria and would like to donate cleaning products to the victims of the floods in queensland. Do you know of anyone in Victoria that I can get donations too.
Thanks in advance
Hi, I too want to donate clothes. I just came back to my parents house in Melbourne and I have a whole tall boy full of clothing that I just found that I no longer wear. Would love it to make somes day and ease the burdon just a little. How do we do this?
Sarah
where can we take clothing in the Lake macquarie/newcastle area or post it???
@Samantha
Hi Samantha , i have set up a page on facebook for anyone looking to donate good to the floods. I have a drop off point in Melbourne
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Qld-Flood-Donation-Help-Page/174282275942094CBJ Supply Chain Solutions
Global Australia Freight
…
Drop off point address:
…
21-23 Marshall Court Altona.
Boxes/ bags clearly marked for QLD Flood Donation
Only canned or long life product dropped off if sending food product.
These guys will be sending everything donated straight to the flood victims through charities, foundations and organisations.
Thank you for all your heartfelt help towards the Queensland Flood Victims
Hi Karleen here is an adress for a drop off center taking donations for the flood victims. H is a friend of mine who has also done the for the Victoria bushfires
Drop off point address:
…
21-23 Marshall Court Altona.
Boxes/ bags clearly marked for QLD Flood Donation
Only canned or long life product dropped off if sending food product.
These guys will be sending everything donated straight to the flood victims through charities, foundations and organisations.
Please join our facebook page and list your generosity there
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Qld-Flood-Donation-Help-Page/174282275942094st you generosity there
I am heading North at the end of Feb with a team of volunteers to help in the clean up process anywhere we are needed in the Queensland area. Also I have organised a huge collection here on the central coast nsw. Initially there would be enough to fill my jeep and trailer, but because of the overwhelming generosity of the local population here, I am now transporting these goods with a rented 1 tonne truck. I need to know where in the Toowoomba (or surrounding) areas would be the best drop off location for the donations.. There will be everything from Baby items (nappies ect) to mens, women, childrens clothing, toys, sheet sets, blankets ect, ect…. Can you please let me know so I can plan my route accordingly.
Thank you.
we have organised with a local freighting company to transport a truck of goods IN BRAND NEW CONDITIOn to flood victims. so we are simply hoping now we can request from the bloggers/readers/volunteers above a DROP OFF LOCATION /// where is the best QLD relief centre?
thank you
I live on the gold coast and would like to know where i can deliver some clothing to help.Have just cleaned out some cupboards.
Thank you
I live in wa and have boxes of new clothing for children between the ages of 12 to 15 where can i donate these boxes to get them to queensland they are all boxed and laabeled for delivery can anyone help me as i would like to help,
Thanks and ggod luck all
Sharyn
I am able to help with washing cleaning accomodate and I live on the Gold Coast
@gill
I’m having trouble finding a drop zone aswell. I know Palm Beach surf club are taking donations, but no more clothes… If you hear of anything can you let me know…
meghan.evans@live.com.au
Thank you.
We live in Shailer Park near the hyperdome and would like to offer a couple accommodation. We also have a big secure yard and we are more than happy to look after 2 dogs . Our hearts are with those so tragically affected
A baby products manufacturer is donating new baby furniture including port a cots, cot canopy nets and other essential baby products to flood victims in qld. PLEASE if you need our help contact farzanah@babyhood.com.au
Try this site for clothing donations.
http://vanjastace.com/2011/01/13/where-to-donate-items-for-the-qld-floods-2011/
Also google Clothing Donations Floods Several sites coming up for Qld.
My name is Emma Redfern im a women on a mission i have just hired a hall for donations and hopefully just got a truck to donate their time and truck to deliver the donations such as house hold items, food, clothing, to QLD starting Tuesday next week!!! But i am having trouble finding a place to send them to. I have sent so many emails but have no one has been able to help i am hoping that maybe some one has heard, seen, or know of a organization that is taking these donations. Please any thing would help!!!!
I live at Burpengary. I have been able to donate 50 toothbrushes, some toiletries and linen through LJ Hooker who have a storage unit at Eureka. However they are no longer able to take any more donations. If anyone can help me with locations on the Northside still accepting donations, I would be most grateful.
We live in Wheelers hill Vic, have TV’s,sheets towels clothes toys etc (all in execellent condition some new) were can we donate these things please….
Hi there,
i have over 2000 items of mainly young male clothing i am wanting to donate, it is in storage in Wangaratta, i need to get it from there to a place in VIC (Kennards north Melb as they are doing storage and i believe some transport to QLD?)so it can be sent to QLD? does anyone know of a place or a way i can do this?
Thanks
Anthony
Like many of us, I am humbled by the generosity, dedication, determination and expressions of people reaching out to those in need.
I guess being a mum with four children really brings out the emotional sincerity of these devastating situations these poor people have had to endure from the floods. It pleases me to say my husband and I got out there with many of you’s side by side, got our hands dirty and tried to help eliminate as many signs of evidence the floods had left behind, to help our communities rebuild and hopefully recover as quickly as possible.
And as I scrapped off the glue off of frames in a completely gutted home yesterday and as I scrubbed mud off plastic chairs that children once sat on belonging to a local State School and as I looked around the destruction I find myself unsatisfied with the little effort I have done and continuously searching for ways of how I/we can do more. The hunger of wanting to do more for those affected by flood is so powerful I find myself restless I can’t remember when I last had a good nights sleep. I can only imagine what those affected are going through.
I know this is of no comparison at all but I guess I’m really trying to connect to what these guys might be feeling. And having completed renovations on my own home, no kitchen for mnths, no flooring or walls. At times it was tough to stay positive.
The biggest relief and realisation of my home coming together was when my husband started laying on the walls. It was at that moment that I really started to feel humbled and proud to say this is my “home” and really see my “home” coming together. This is the kind of feeling I want those who have had their homes washed away to experience and feel once again.
With your help, donations of goods which can be sold to raise the much needed funds to help bring electricity, hot water and security (by putting up walls and ceilings) to those who have nothing would help achieve the desired goal.
Nothing too big or small. For example, I have two lamps in my room, one of which I never use it’s only an ornament? Four different consoles i.e; WII, Xbox etc, that only gets used once every couple of mnths? We don’t need these things and it is by no means putting us out by donating to this cause. You can do the same.
We are keen to extend to those within a 200km radius of Brisbane pickup of reasonable donations of goods that will help raise those much needed funds to assist in rebuilding peoples homes that were taken by the floods in QLD. At this stage a drop off point for anyone wanting to deliver is not available at this time. We would also be happy to team up with anyone who may have already started collecting donated goods and who may be interested in our vision to REBUILD HOMES. Anyone interested in donating goods etc; is welcome to email me direct reneep2010@live.com.au.
Thank you, Renee
@Karleen
I wish you were in Sydney. We are delivering care packages and will have a truck going up in a couple of weeks.
I live in Sydney and have used white goods and furniture that I would like to donate to flood victims in Queensland. Is there a body in new that is co ordinating collecting furniture that can then be sent up to queensland.
Hi, im in the same boat as Brigitte, im in Sydney and have two couches, a dining table, TV cabinet and a coffee table which I want to donate to the flood victims (moving house this weekend so in a hurry!) Can someone please advise a location in SYDNEY where these items can be dropped off, if possible on the weekend? Would much rather donate it to someone in need!!! Thanks.
Hello I would like to know where there is a drop off point near me(too much to post). I live in Jimboomba QLD. My teenage daughter and I are donating our clothes. She is a petite size 6-8 and my clothes are size 10 ladies. All excellent condition and some still with tags on them.
Lana
I’ve called through to St Vincent de Paul, The Salvation Army and The Queensland Government in an effort to donate second hand shop fittings which have recently come in to our possession. We are currently in possession of cabinets and draws in the full set, including the wooden benchtops and handles. All of which are in very good condition. We do not have any transport to move this equipment and it needs to be out of the warehouse by Monday. I am unaware of any drop off points in our location (Brisbane, Queensland) but if anyone knows of any businesses or individuals who could use these items I would be more than happy to help with the loading and transportation.
Lachlan
LEGITIMATE DISCOUNTS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
If you run or work at a business offering discounts consider offering a legitemate discount for flood victims at http://www.flooddiscounts.com.au – its free, not for profit and run completely by volunteers. If you know a flood victim that needs to rebuild, plese direct them to the site – it has more than 21 categories of products and services to help those signfiicantly affected by the floods. Coles’ offer of 10% discount for flood victims is just one of the 1200 generous offers on the site…
Lachlan – try offering your shop fittings at http://www.floodaid.com.au or http://www.givit.org
Hi I live in SE Brisbane and my Best Friend lives in Carisbrook victoria with her partner n 5 kids they have badly been affected by the floods and have lost most of there belongings due to floods and in the stuff they have lost are all there kids clothes n toys wich i really want to help them out and iv done a collection of kids clothes n toys between my friends n my self, i have got around 3 large boxes of stuff to get to them as they are in great need of stuff and i cant exactly afford the cost of sending them Could anybody travelling that way help me with getting this stuff to them as in a truck driver or some one going that way? I would greatly appreciate your help. Please contact me my email address is lesliepudney@hotmail.com
@Tracy
where can i drop clothes in sydney?
I have a free kitchen, solid wood available from 17th August. this kitchen includes a rangehood, sink, tap, stove top – electric. The kitchen is stained green, and could easily be changed to suit a smaller kitchen. The bench alone is 4 mtrs long, it is a very large kitchen. We cannot deliver, whoever wants this kitchen will have to organise a truck/trailer. The kitchen will be removed in good condition from next wednesday the 17th. I can be contacted on my mob. 0407488166. This kitchen is too good to go to the tip, I hope someone can use it. Susie Smith