This news has brought great sadness. But it is also a reminder that life is finite. And with that, a message of giving: to oneself.

Quan’s death has provided me with a reminder to live life with passion, and fill it with positive action. To ensure one’s values are upheld, life’s goals are attained, and that, in all our actions, we are passionate and committed to our happiness. During these times of job losses, recession and uncertainty, there also comes an opportunity to not lose sight of two things that should always be constant.

Firstly – change. During these times, we need to give ourselves the opportunity to look at ourselves and determine how we can change to get through these times. Remember what a pool of stagnant water looks like? If you are starting to look a little green around the edges with fear of moving with the current times, I would encourage you to take some time out. What do you need to reconsider? How can you mend some bridges? How can you do things a little differently to ensure you have a work/life balance? Change is one of the few constants in our lives that is certain, and needed.

We also need to consider our own values – who we are, what we want from life. If you are aren’t heading in the right direction, perhaps now is a time to change tack and give yourself the chance to get yourself out of rough waters. Reevaluate what is important to you and ensure that these values are aligned with your goals.

The last few months have been a little difficult on a personal level. I lost a lot of money with a new business after September 11 happened. The start of give.com.au coincided with an international economic crisis that will not stabilise any time in the near future. I have had a little fear and trepidation about times ahead and financial losses. However, now is the time for me to look at what changes I can instigate to ride these rough seas, and give to those who desperately need support. Now is the time for me to dig deep and follow my passion of creating change. So lots of exciting things are being planned for give.com.au, and I invite you all to be a part of this change, to help in our vision of making a difference.

A monthly newsletter will soon be launched, and I invite you to subscribe through the give.com.au homepage. I would encourage you to pass on the link to your friends and family and encourage them to sign up. As I look at ways at expanding our approach to giving, I invite you to share stories of giving in your local community and please let me know of any projects you feel we could support down the track. I thank you for being a part of this vision of change.

Seeing the sense of community that arose from Black Saturday, I believe that in all of us, there is an innate desire to give. But never forget yourself.

Live passionately!

Tina

We will miss you Quan. Thank you for the inspiration! x

Travelling alone provides one with plenty of opportunity to reflect on those people who have touched our life. In the past three days I have traversed the Cambodian countryside on buses, motodups, tuk tuks and taxis for a total of 19 hours. This morning, everyone else seems to be nursing their Saturday hangover, so I sit alone enjoying my fruit salad and rice muesli. No one to chat to, but plenty of time for reflection. This journey is a little different from those before – I have a purpose for being here. And although I sit here by myself, I have not come alone, but am sharing this journey with two people who mean so very much to me.

Frank and Mary Peek are my grandparents. I still recall the weekends of my youth spent baking date rolls, choko pies and fresh custard. I´d wander through the pumpkin and passionfruit vines in search of a tasty piece of sugarcane to chew on. Children of the depression, nothing was thrown out at Frank and Mary´s house. Adorning the vj walls of their Queenslander were bird feathers, calendars reflecting a history of coronations, sporting heroes and photographs from 90+ years of life.

Frank and Mary were married for 63 years, and although they could not be together in the final year of their lives, I made sure they were together for eternity, joining in a local tradition of placing their names on a padlock and throwing away the key atop one of China´s holy mountains, Hua Shan.

At the time of writing this, I have tears. Frank and Mary passed away within six months of each other, and I miss them. But above all, I feel a privilege to have them share this journey with me, for without them, this trip and my vision would not be happening.

When people leave our lives, we can always wish we had talked more, shared more, asked more, loved more. I do. But I can also ensure that the memories I have of them stay with me and I never forget what they gave me, nor the value they placed on their family and the little that they had.

When I helped clean up their house, I found a sealed envelope. On the front in my grandmother´s scrawl was written ¨to those left behind¨. I had not been in the country when Mary passed away, and with the deepest sadness did not attend her funeral. I felt that for some reason I was chosen to find the letter, hidden in the dark recesses of a wardrobe for over 20 years. My hands trembled as I opened the letter. I could imagine Mary sitting at her old manual typewriter, keying in the names of all her children and grandchildren. On the attached page was a short message espousing the love she had for her family and her wish for their happiness.

Frank and Mary – I love you. I am forever grateful for what you gave me. In return, I shall provide an opportunity to individuals, communities and organisations that are giving to others. I hope you are enjoying this journey as much as I am enjoying having you a part of it. My journey is dedicated to your memory and my vision honours all that you gave me.

I hope for all who read this, that you take some time out to thank those in your life who have provided you with opportunity, knowledge, purpose and pleasure. If you´ve ever been stuck in Cambodia during rainy season, you will know how important a bridge can be. They allow us to move through our lives easily, with support and provide us with the opportunity to go as far as we want to go. Rebuild broken bridges. Strengthen existing ones. And importantly, build new ones.

Thank you Frank and Mary. You have allowed me the opportunity to embrace my passions, but more importantly, to help me find a sense of purpose in my travels and my life.

Frank, you can finally be proud.

Mary, you need not worry – I am happy. xx

Here is a ‘beary’ beautiful and I trust a refreshing story at a time of bewilderment and sadness in our lives.  I hope it brings a small smile to you as you visualise the happiness a very dear friend of mine will know and feel when she hears about it.

Twelve years or so ago when I went back to college I met Lyn. I cannot even remember how it came to be that ever since then I have been ‘bear- sitting’ Lyn’s teddy bear.

Lyn and I are the same age and we both have the exact same type of teddy bear from our childhood. Lyn’s bought in Melbourne and mine in Perth.

Lyn’s bear, on the left, is healthier than mine although it is missing an ear. I can still remember shaving my bear when I was a little girl. The original eyes fell out and my mum sewed in shirt buttons to replace them some 55 years ago.

Just before Christmas Lyn asked for her bear to be returned as she had set up a new home. I had done nothing about returning it as I was planning to visit her new home in a few weeks and also I was a bit scared that the silver fish might have attacked it!!

It was with great sadness that I learned that Lyn’s home was totally destroyed and that she lost everything including her mobile phone in the Marysville fire on Saturday. Lyn is safe, Thank God! Just this morning though, I remembered ‘the bear’. It was a sad, teary but very happy moment when I retrieved Lyn’s bear from storage. I am wondering if she has remembered where it is. Some friends are seeing her on Saturday and they will delight in telling her that ‘the bear’ is safe (and not moth eaten). I know that Lyn will be overjoyed to hold her bear and a memory from childhood.

I am thankful that I have a’ beary’ happy story to share.

Contribution by Pamela Gurney

Please add your words of thanks and stories of giving during this time.

All comments will be passed on to the CFA.

Click here to see all the ways you are able to give to Australians needing your support.

Thank you for taking the time to give thanks.

The impact of this devastation will continue to be felt long after the flood waters recede and the last ash has been blown in the wind.

Many families and their communities are in need during this time and at www.give.com.au, we want to keep you informed of all information available so that you may be able to give during this time.

Keep informed

ABC TV

Country Fire Association

Give money

Please find below a list of all current appeals, including links for you to make a direct donation:

give.com.au Emergency Appeal

We have set up a number of donation options for the give.com.au Bushfire Emergency Appeal on the website. Give.com.au will work with local emergency shelters within the Yarra Valley to deliver your donations to families in urgent need. Please note these donations are not tax-deductible. However, as a local resident who knows many who have been personally affected during this time, we have decided to offer this option to support our local community. We guarantee that 100% of your donation will be provided to families and communities who are in need of emergency assistance. As our commitment to our local community, give.com.au will be paying all account fees. You will also be kept up to date as to how your donations have supported families and communities in this tragic time.

2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund

The appeal has been launched by Premier John Brumby in conjunction with the Australian Red Cross and the Federal Government. A number of corporate organisations including NAB, ANZ, CBA and Wesfarmers have also contributed to the fund.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Bushfire Appeal

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, through its Community Enterprise Foundation, has launched a Bushfire Appeal. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible.

Salvation Army Bushfire and Floods Appeal

The Salvation Army has launched appeals to assist the victims of the bushfires which have been raging across Victoria and the devastating floods in north Queensland. Donations will help fund the Salvo’s emergency response to these disasters.

NAB

Make a direct deposit to the bushfire appeal through NAB.

BSB 082001 / Account number 860046797

Give blood

Blood is urgently needed to assist those with serious burns. Click here to find your nearest donor location.

Give blankets and clothing

Your nearest Salvation Army store.

Give Animal Aid

Horse agistment

Leongatha Saleyards 0409 436 255

Pakenham Saleyards 5940 2121

Give accommodation

Please contact local councils directly.

Alpine Shire
57550513

Baw Baw Shire
1300 859 446

Cardinia Shire
1300 787 634

City of Greater Bendigo
03 5447 2248

City of Horsham
03 5382 9794

Indigo Shire
03 5728 8000

Latrobe City
1800 017 777

Nillumbilk Shire
9438 5299

Yarra Ranges
1300 368 333

Murrindini Shire
03 5772 0333 (hotline for health advice, billet system etc)

Mitchell Shire
03 5734 6232

Wellington Shire
1300 137 218

Whittlesea Shire
9217 2170

Give prayers

We will keep this page updated as new information comes to hand.

Thank you to all emergency service workers, volunteer fire fighters, organisations, businesses, communities and individuals who are giving during this time.

Thank you for giving to those in need.

The seed

I don’t recall my dreams very often, but on this occasion, I woke up with a jolt. I went to the computer and searched the availability of give.com.au. To my astonishment, it was available, so I processed the registration and within 48 hours, held a small seed in the palm of my hand.

Two and a half years later, the seed has sprouted. It took me that long to work out what to do with it, as I believed it needed to be more than just a website. It needed to be able to give – holistically and in every definition of the word.

How do you translate all of this into one website? How do you ensure that it does all of this, and reaches as many people as it can in its efforts to give?

In my travels, I have been inspired by many, who, in their own small way, are creating change and making a difference. The vision of the site began to take shape: an avenue where stories could be shared, in the hope that they would as much educate as they would inspire. But in a world where countless charities and organisations are vying for the donation dollar, and considering the current global economy, I didn’t feel that the site could do what it needed by simply asking for people to give money to support worthy causes.

It needed to be more.

And then I realised – people give every day. Weddings, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Christmas – we all give. But how often do we think about the consequence of our purchase?

And from there, the vision of give.com.au was created: to provide an avenue for people to shop and as a society of consumers and travellers, to collectively provide a future for people in need around the world.

It is my vision that from this seed, many opportunities will be granted, futures will be provided and lives will be transformed.

The heart

Once you have vision, one must have the heart, passion and commitment to make it reality. Many of the founders of the organisations we support, have shown years of dedication to their projects. As education has always been a big driving factor behind the site, it was extremely important for me to undertake a research trip to really be inspired to create some magic.

Having spent years travelling the globe, I still wasn’t prepared for what I was to learn and witness. But then again, I’ve never asked to visit brothels, slums and sleep on floors in rural villages on any of my previous travels. During this trip, I witnessed a depth of poverty that many in Australia will never see or experience.

However, despite the huge challenges faced by fellow human beings, I also witnessed courage, perseverance and strength. I have seen the inner spirit of survival that exists within every human being, and despite the odds, the willingness to persevere and overcome obstacles. I have also been touched by the generosity and compassion shared by individuals around the globe who give of themselves so that others may have a future. Even those who have nothing, will always have a drink for a stranger or offer a bed for the night, even if it is a wooden floor.

It is this heart – this passion, dedication and perseverance that we also want to share with you through our stories.

The hands

We all know it takes a lot of hard work to turn a dream into reality. This site has been established with a dedicated team of volunteers who have assisted with concept design and development, packaging, photography, labelling, pricing, editing and driving. Their hands have worked hard to assist with turning this vision into reality, and I thank everyone involved for their time, patience and commitment.

Personally, I have stretched myself financially, physically and emotionally in setting up this site. But after spending ten weeks researching projects and seeing the need that is out there, it has given me the passion and drive to commit myself to ensure the success of this site.

The hands of our artisans need your support so that they can continue to work.

Using your hands, all you need to do is shop and give, and together we can make a difference.

What can you do?

Simply – receive, give and connect.

Receive

Our product range is overflowing with stylish, functional and practical gifts that will suit all ranges. And with the options of purchasing gifts from our affiliate range, you are guaranteed to find something that will suit even the most difficult tastes of your friend or family member. If that’s not enough, you can purchase a gift certificate and let them choose – then you know they are guaranteed to love it.

All of our products are hand made by fair trade enterprises, non-government organisations, not-for-profit cooperatives and grassroot organisations. The majority of products are handmade in villages in between harvesting the rice and looking after the children. As they are all handcrafted, each one is unique and may differ slightly from the online image. However, our team thoroughly check each item for quality before delivery and you are guaranteed of receiving a unique gift as well as making a difference to communities around the world.

Give

By purchasing from our range, you are providing a future to families and communities in need. Not only do they receive funds when we place an order, but our Development Fund works with the projects to support them with financial assistance. We have also partnered grassroot organisations that do not have goods for sale with some of our fair trade enterprise partners, therefore providing them with much needed financial support.

Connect

We want you to share our approach to giving with the world.It is quite a simple concept to just go shopping, and make a difference in the life of another. We would encourage you to share our vision with your friends and family.

If you are wanting to support us financially in our endeavours, or donate to one of our supported projects, we would also like the opportunity to connect. If you are fundraising for an international group, a corporate wanting some unique gifts for your clients or perhaps you are just wanting to know a little more, please contact us. We would love to play the game of connect with as many people as we can. There is guaranteed to be more than one winner.

Thank you

We would like to thank you for being a part of our vision. We encourage you to sign up for an account so that you can hear news from the field and how your purchases and donations are giving. May we encourage you to have your own ideas, and through your passion and hard work, see them sprout to make a difference in your own life, and those of others.

Thank you for giving

Walking to give

Do you remember?

If I were to ask you what was the last news story you recall about Bangladesh, I am certain the response would fall into the categories of cyclones, natural disasters and destruction. Bangladesh is the largest delta in the world. With approximately 700 rivers winding across its landscape, the waterways serve as a life line in terms of irrigation, ecosystem and transport. The annual rainfall in most of the country is 2300mm, with some parts receiving up to 5000mm – that’s a lot of water pushing its way through a water logged land. In a country 57 times smaller and a population eight times that of Australia, the annual floods and cyclones cause great destruction each year.

Standing out in the crowd

In a country of over 153 million people, it is definitely difficult to stand out in the crowd, particularly in remote areas where survival is part of daily life. However, on our research trip to Rajiha village where we are working with our partner Tarango, one woman inspired us in our efforts to give.

As we sat amongst a roomful of women and the sound of early flood rains on a leaky tin roof made it difficult to speak, Easter Baroi certainly stood out. Easter was extremely vocal in her efforts for the give.com.au team to purchase products from her village. After we discussed designs, how the project could support them and difficulties the women and the community faced, Easter invited us to visit her home and learn about life on the waterways.

Easter is one of the luckier Bengali women. Married at 19, 34 year old Easter has inherited her parent’s land and has a comfortable house, a boat and plenty of food. However, she also lives a 40 minute canoe ride to her small plot of land, a 90 sqm island. As we paddled out to the island, I learnt the difficulties faced by the families living in this flood prone area: disease, no fresh water pumps, no latrines and many do not even own a boat.

When I asked Easter why she wanted to help others, she portrayed in detail the daily routine of the majority of women in the village. With the area being flooded six to eight months of the year, day to day survival was a struggle.

As we sat drinking tea with Easter and her brood (including the chickens), Easter shared her story of wanting to give to her village. After Cyclone Sidr caused massive destruction in the area November 2007, Easter walked three hours to the Tarango office to ask for their help in providing blankets for families who had lost everything. She then invited the staff at Tarango to visit the village, to see if they would assist this extremely remote and poor community through the handicrafts program.

The response to Easter’s giving

Tarango have responded to this request, and have been working with the villagers providing them with free training, equipment and resources so that women within the village can now make some of the wonderful jute products that we sell.

The program has only recently commenced at Rajisal, but the give.com.au team were so impressed with Easter’s giving hands, that we have committed to supporting the village through the purchase of placemats and coasters.

When I asked Easter what her greatest happiness would be, she asked for nothing for herself and her family.

“Drinking water, latrines and the opportunity to earn an income for the families within my village is all that would make me happy. It is their right”.

Easter is an example of how you don’t need much to give to others and make a difference. We don’t necessarily want you to go out and collect blankets or walk for miles asking for help and support, but may Easter’s story inspire you to do one small thing for someone else today. We can’t promise you a front page feature, but somewhere in the world, someone will appreciate that you have given.

Let’s hope the next time we ask you about the last story you recall about Bangladesh – it’s one that inspired you to give.