Victorian bushfire tragedy

The bushfires that have devastated dozens of communities across Victoria have touched the hearts of all Australians.

Many Victorian motorcyclists, in particular, would be aware of towns such as Flowerdale, Whittlesea, Kinglake, Narbethong, St Andrews and Taggerty, which are found on or near some great two-wheel terrain - both on and off-road.

Now those areas which have provided us with so much enjoyment are suffering beyond comprehension, with 108 people having perished as I write this -- with probably more to come. And places like Marysville and Kinglake have been practically razed.

During this desperately sad situation, a number of charities are setting up emergency relief funds, including the:

Red Cross - 1800 727 077, http://www.redcross.org.au
Salvation Army - http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/SALV/HOMEPAGE/pc=HOME
St Vincent de Paul - http://www.vinnies.org.au/home.cfm?nocache=932312

Victorian and southern NSW hospitals are also treating a lot of burn victims. Many of these people need blood products to heal.

You can help bushfire victims by giving blood, plasma or platelets anywhere in Australia, right now. It all helps save lives. Call 13 14 95 for a blood bank in your area. Please encourage family, friends and workmates who can, to give blood in the coming days and weeks.

Victorian blood banks are being rushed by donors now but you can book in for two or three weeks time, the demand will still be there. If you've never given blood or not given for a long time please donate.
 
In NSW, the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania the annual Blood Challenge runs to the end of February. This bushfire tragedy and associated road trauma is exactly why the challenge was first issued.