Found some frenemies

I had my first political event... and also learnt what a portmanteau is!

I went to Lindsay Fox's fundraiser for the Premier's Relief Fund on the weekend and spoke to Anna Bligh and Major General Mike Slater. He is a humble, hard working and empathic.  I really like him.  I really like her too.  I told MG Mike GIVIT was busy and being effective with the resources we have, but also moving forward I would like a list of the flood affected so that they can be legitimised and contacted easily.

I asked him if we could have access to the Red Cross/Police records and he said that the (accurate) list was with the insurance companies.  I have already contacted the insurance companies and expected no reply, but MG Mike replies "the insurance companies will not give the Government access to the people's records due to the Privacy Act", but with one raised brow - he knew there was other reasons.  I usually respect the Privacy Act of 88, and consider is one of the most important features of GIVIT - but we need accurate records and insurance information to find those affected.    I am sure they would release their information to charities and the government for funds/donations.   He said they are (gridlocked) because of the insurance company's delays.  I dare say the government and insurance companies are now officially  "frenemies"!

Things are desperate for many families.  There are now several charities literally door knocking in the Lockyer Valley.  The 'door knocking groups' are arguing and seem to be in competition with each other too.  The competition isn't working, as it has now got to the point where we find out about a desperate farmer/individuals (with the credit card ready to buy what ever he needs) and he resents (or is very suspicious of) our call.  He doesn't want to explain what he needs one more time, he is sick of being let down or she is tired of broken promises. Honestly, most of these lists are overwhelming with farm equipment and things that just require large amounts of money..

Just today I have heard about a bigger charity trying to knock over a smaller hard working organisations, that has sprung up since the floods. They say they do not have DGR or something similar - as if that is a sign of efficiency!

I love GIVIT, and how it is inclusive of all charities and groups.  If they work hard with impoverished, marginalised or vulnerable people THEY ARE IN!  As I was reminded today "it takes a village.." so drop the claws and work together!

Jx

FYI - Apparently the word Frenemy is a term used to describe personal, geopolitical, and commercial relationships both among individuals and groups or institutions who is a friend or to a partner who is simultaneously a competitor and rival.  It has been used as "early as 1953" - but hey that wasn't that long ago!

A letter from a recipient! What!

Dear Juliette, (I think she must have got my email from the website About Us page)

Today I was rendered speechless, when I received a massive bag of goodies via Givit. Inside was everything I needed and so much more - winter pyjamas, underwear, beautiful tops, boardshorts and a swimsuit and shoes for physiotherapy, the warmest yet lightest doona, towels... so much  more. I was blown away. They were such beautiful things, too!

Whoever did this for me had taken so much care and time and is so generous and I would like to thank him/her from the bottom of my heart, I cannot thank them enough. It is obvious too that whoever donated these items genuinely loved doing so and to feel that someone out there was so kind and cared so very much is amazing, so very heart warming.

There is no way I would have been able to afford any of these items myself, and they have been given to me just a week after I asked, so very quickly. Just in time to keep me warm and to help me starting my physiotherapy and hydrotherapy. I have come a long way fighting my eating disorder but in winter I still have a lot of trouble with the cold and now I am going to be able to sleep comfortably. I am also going to be able to do my walking program and the physio/hydrotherapy with the clothing I need which does amazing things for my confidence and takes a load off my mind.

The first thing I did after marvelling over these beautiful and timely gifts was to jump in the shower so I could use one of the towels, got dressed in new undies and pyjamas (okay maybe this is a bit tmi lol) and dived into bed under the doona... bliss!

Please can you thank this wonderful donor for me. I cannot thank them enough. I could rave forever :) :) 

Thank you with all my heartfelt best wishes,

(Donor)

Crying again, I will comment later.

Quality GIVING! YES YES YES!!!!

I have had a few memorable highlights in my life.. and this is one of them!

Kyra and I were invited to see the furniture that a new women's refuge have taken off the virtual warehouse!

We had tears, excitement and more joy than we can explain as we saw the amazing donations, the quality, the generosity of our GIVIT community.  The quality was exceptional!!

 As it is a women's refuge we cannot tell you the location, but it is in Brisbane and close to transport and shops..

It felt like we were in a resort!

All the women who will be sitting here on this couch have run from an abusive home with 3-5 children.

They are hiding from abusive husbands and partners.

We think it is a good place to hide!

All the rooms have a cot ready. 

The cupboards are filled with toys.

All the linen is from GIVIT donors..

This unit is beautiful!  We can't believe the funiture is used!

All the kids rooms were inviting, and lots of fun!

The houses are homes!

Here is Kyra our National Manager.  It is so wondrous to see the donations really helping women in need!  Thank you thank you thank you - to all who donated!