Deborah Cooke: Author

As all of you know, Australia has been enduring some terrible fires. There’s a great deal of devastation, a lot of lost lives and destroyed homes. It’s incredibly sad to think that some of these fires may have been started by arsonists. Australians are some of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known and they’re a lot of fun, too – we will not review how many nights I’ve spent laughing and drinking with Australians in all corners of the world! – which brings me to the point of this post.

It’s hard to do much that feels useful, especially from a distance. I’ve pinged Lucy at Ever After (the romance bookstore), who has been very sweet and supportive of Dragonfire. She’s far from the damage and okay. I expect all of you have phoned or emailed your buddies down under, just to check, and I hope that they are all well, too. Lucy told me about the Australian Romance Readers Convention which is this weekend, and I sent some books which will hopefully arrive in time for their silent auction and fundraiser. One of the women from my RWA chapter is attending the conf and putting together a donation from the chapter, too.

But books aren’t all that people need in a situation like this. There are people who need homes and shelter and food, and there are many many more who need a hug, a cup of tea, maybe someone to listen to their story. From closer quarters, we can give blood, or donate items of use to those affected, or volunteer.

Even from the other side of the world, though, we can make a difference.
The Australian Red Cross is taking donations – and they’re the ones right there right now, helping Australians through a challenging time. They accept donations of as little as $5 AU. The internet makes it possible for us to reach out and help, even from halfway around the world.

The site warns that they’re experiencing heavy traffic right now, and that you may see delays. It’s worth waiting to do something so important, don’t you think?