Monday, Feb 07, 2022 at 17:32
Following the 2019/20 fires, I did two stints with BlazeAid, a volunteer organisation that helps farmers repair fences and other
infrastructure after disasters like fires and floods.
I cannot tell you how appreciative people are. Many are fragile after the trauma and appreciate the human contact and help. It is not just about repairing
infrastructure (BlazeAid does mostly fences, but they do other stuff as
well, depending on what skills the volunteers bring with them), but about support and listening if they want to talk.
I worked with a crew of Danish firefighters who came out to Aus to help. They were joined by backpackers up from
Sydney -
young folk here for a holiday in the sun who gave up their time in the city bars and nightclubs and sunning themselves on Bondi Beach to throw themselves into the task with extraordinary willingness and vigour. Heartwarming stuff.
Local businesses joined in with donated or discounted rural supplies and materials, cafes and service organisations with food and other necessities. Unbidden, the Seikhs in
Newcastle cooked and packaged 200 Indian meals and drove them 170km to our
camp. I like curry LOL!.
On the selfish side of it, I found it the most rewarding experience to be able to offer the few skills I have to help some folk in desperate need. BlazeAid provides the
tools and materials - all they need is your labour and in return you get fed for as long as you wish to stay.
If BlazeAid sets up camps over there they will be looking for volunteers. I highly commend the organisation.
EDIT: Oh, and if you are unable to volunteer, a donation will go a long way toward helping to fund equipment and materials for the work and food for volunteers.
BlazeAid
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