LayGuy

My home state of Victoria, and indeed Australia, is still trying to come to terms with the horrific bush fires which swept through the state over the weekend.  Almost 200 people have died with fears that the final figure could reach 300 – making this more than 3 times the disaster which was Ash Wednesday back in 1983.

The most sickening and disgusting thought of all is that many of these fires were lit deliberately on what was Victoria’s hottest day ever – 47.3C (117.1F).  Strong northerly winds fanned these flames into hundreds of homes and whole towns have been literally wiped off the map.

To make things worse, there are reports of arsonists relighting fires which have been put out, looting of homes which have survived the fires and money collectors pretending to work for a worthy cause only to pocket the proceeds themselves.  A pathetic picture of the vermin of humanity.

In complete and utter contrast are the reports of heroic efforts by professional and volunteer firefighters, paramedics, police and the generosity and outpouring of the human spirit to help out those in need.

I decided to make a short video to capture only but an essence of what has transpired over the last couple of days.  I encourage you to watch it.  To feel it.  To imagine what it was like. And to never forget what these people have just been through.

I also ask you to help pass on this message/post/video – whatever it takes – to others to raise awareness of this incident.  Australians, and the world, are digging deep to help those in need.  Already tens of millions of dollars have been raised to help rebuild lives and communities.

The biggest push is through Australian Red Cross – please visit and make any contribution possible.  The video ends with this website also – so please pass it on to whoever should see it.  Please help make it go viral – as my goal is to make donations to this appeal go viral also.

These people need it.