Australian flood and cyclone disaster appeals and mega wine raffle
Please assist – rebuilding lives will take years and $$$
Robyn Lewis
Queensland floods - Ipswich [©Randall Pollard]
Thankfully, the worst of the Queensland, NSW and Victoria flooding and cyclone disasters has passed – the back- and heart-breaking cleanup will continue for months, if not years, in those states. And now we have the Christchurch earthquake.
YOU CAN HELP VICTIMS BY BUYING TICKETS FOR THE WINE INDUSTRY FLOOD AND CYCLONE RELIEF RAFFLE
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS NOW - on sale to 11th March »
CLICK HERE for further information about the raffle and the A$240K of amazing wine prizes »
Scroll down to read about other way to assist.
NOTE: the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Fund has been extended to cover those affected by Cyclone Yasi, and is now renamed the Premier's Disaster Relief Fund, so you can assist them here, too.
NEW ZEALAND: To assist those affected by the Canterbury (Christchurch) earthquake on 22nd February, please donate direct to:
- The Red Cross of New Zealand www.RedCross.org.nz
- The Salvation Army Canterbury Earthquake Appeal www.SalvationArmy.org.nz
We at VisitVineyards.com share our countrymen's – and now those of New Zealand – pain and distress. The damage to lives, families, farms, livelihoods, communities, animals, wildlife and infrastructure if now being fully revealed in Queensland and Victoria, as well as parts of NSW and Tasmania; the scale of this natural disaster is unprecedented in Australia's recent history.
New Zealand has just suffered its worst eathquake in decades.
In Australia, many are still unable to live in their homes, and rebuilding will be a slow process. The full extent of the damage, including psychological, is only just surfacing; the knock-on effects like loss of jobs, inability to pay escalating rents for remaining houses, and difficulties being experienced in normally simple things – like getting the kids back to school – are starting to be felt.
Supermarkets and food stores across eastern States have experienced shortages, made worse by flooding in northern Tasmania which wiped out 1/4 of that State's entire food crop production, much of which is grown for interstate consumption. Some tomato growers in NW Victoria have also been affected – those with unflooded home veggie gardens will be counting their blessings this year.
For the wine industry, there will be an impact on this year's Queensland vintage, as may also occur in the Hunter Valley, and further south as far as northern Tasmania. The damage is still being counted.
We at VisitVineyards.com offer our support to fellow Australians and New Zealanders in need, especially to those, including Australian farmers, who have lost everything.
Recovery in both countries will take years.
If you haven't yet felt the true human impact of the Queensland flooding disaster, I recommend the following article from the Weekend Australian of 22/23 January 2011 by Natasha Bita and Amos Aikman: The awful silence of loved ones who were washed away »
Also from the earlier days of this disaster (12 Jan 2011), by Amanda Gearing and Hedley Thomas: The seconds that separated life and death »
However, this flood has made me proud to be an Australian. The outpouring of national generosity and community caring, even (or especially) for total strangers, has been overwhelming.
Australia is not only the lucky country, it's the compassionate country. We care. We do. We follow through. We go the extra mile for each other.
And on Australia Day 2011, we had something to celebrate and be very proud of, which will continue through the clean up and rebuilding.
There are many ways you can assist - here are just a few:
1. One way to help Queensland flood and cyclone victims is to donate to the Queensland Government's Disaster Relief Appeal here »
Donations of A$2 and over are tax deductible in Australia, and if you donate online you will receive an immediate receipt.
The Queensland Government is requesting that donations of cash are preferable to goods, due to ongoing logistical difficulties and the varying needs of people affected. However donations of goods will be accepted, now that transport is getting back to normal.
More information can be found on Twitter by searching for hashtag #qldfloods
2. You can also assist with the treatment and relocation of injured, lost and affected animals (including wildlife) at the Queensland RSPCA here https://donate.rspcaqld.org.au
Assistance in this area is urgently required so that lost, injured or homeless animals can be rehabilitated and do not have to be euthanased. Starvation will now be an issue, especially for wildlife. The Qld RSPCA Fairfield HQ (which was safely evacuated) was destroyed and will need to be rebuilt.
You can also donate to Animals Australia for native animals here (via their PayPal link - scroll down) http://www.animalsaustralia.org/features/qld-floods-devastate-wildlife.php
PLEASE NOTE: Animal welfare charities are ineligible to receive donations made through the Queensland Government's Flood Relief Appeal, so need separate direct donations.
3. Victorian floods:
The Red Cross, in partnership with the Victorian government, has launched the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal 2011. Funds raised will be used to support individuals, families and communities in areas affected by the 2011 Victorian floods.
You can donate here (or to the Red Cross in Queensland): www.redcross.org.au
4. Online sales for the Wine Flood Relief Raffle
Ths is similar to the one were involved with in the Victorian bushfires of 2009.
Wine and related donations are being co-ordinated by Tyson Stelzer of Wine Press – information and how to donate wine and other prizes can be found here: www.winefloodrelief.com.au. Check it out – the wines on offer and the stories make some great reading!
The contributions are:
- A$240,000 of wine and related donations have been pledged from over 305 wineries, vineyards and other businesses,
- 67 businesses are selling paper tickets and
- 9 other support companies are providing other support eg free transport, marketing etc.
What a fantastic response from an industry feeling pressure itself. WINE AND RELATED DONATIONS HAVE NOW CLOSED. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE DONATED SOME GREAT WINES!
The prize list is truly spectacular and is sure to create international interest.
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW »
THE AMAZING PRIZES ARE LISTED BELOW.
5. Any vineyards or wineries committing to donate a % of cellar door or other sales revenue, holding events or whatever to support the Australian flood relief appeals please either email us on qldfloodrelief@visitvineyards.com and/or send a message to us on twitter @visitvineyards.
We'll retweet and post your pledges here and on facebook, and will feature your events our next newsletter (8 Feb) which goes out to around 20,000 wine and food lovers across Australia.
6. If you are holding a fundraising event, please post it direct onto our calendar www.VisitVineyards.com/calendar
To do this, go to MyAccount and simply follow the instructions. Events listed will be featured in our February newsletter (8 Feb).
Please preface your event listing with the words (in caps): QLD FLOOD APPEAL EVENT
For updates on these and other Queensland Flood Appeal activities being organised by the wine, food and hospitality industries, please see the VisitVineyards.com facebook page »
Thank you for your support. Every little bit helps; it also shows sufferers that people care, which according to survivors of the Victorian bushfires who have been in contact with us recently, is just as important.
7. Anyone wishing to directly donate toys to Queensland children who have been traumatised and/or lost their Christmas presents and other toys in the floods, please go to Kingston's Gumtree Toydrive for Flood-Affected Kids on facebook here.
Note they are accepting new toys (as replacement Christmas gifts) and good condition used toys and children's books to giveaway also.
New toy donations (which will be wrapped and put under the 'Christmas Gumtree') can be posted to Gumtree Toydrive, c/- Amy Glendenning, 15 Birch St, Kingston Qld 411.
Cash donations to buy new toys can be sent by cheque made out to the Kingston State School P&C Association (put Gumtree Toydrive on the back), posted to Kingston State School, PO Box 6175, Logan Central, Qld, 4114.
8. NEW ZEALAND: To assist those affected by the Canterbury (Christchurch) earthquake on 22nd February, please donate direct to:
- The Red Cross of New Zealand www.RedCross.org.nz
- The Salvation Army Canterbury Earthquake Appeal www.SalvationArmy.org.nz
Our sincerest commiserations to all those affected, especially to those who have lost loved ones, and a huge thank you to everyone who has made such incredible donations.
Robyn Lewis and the VisitVineyards.com team
The Wine Flood (and Cyclone) Relief Raffle:
The generosity of the Australian wine industry has been wonderful. Together with Tyson Stelzer and his team at WinePress in Brisbane, who have organised the donations, we bring you over A$240,000 of prizes, some of which are simply unprocurable elsewhere.
It is our joint aim to raise over A$1,000,000 and to make this the largest charity fundraiser in the history of the Australian wine industry. Please help us to achieve that goal and to assist those who have been so badly affected by the recent floods.
To read about the incredible first prize and the other 199 fabulous wine raffle prizes, click on the links below:
- The magnificent first prize »
- 2nd and 3rd prizes»
- 4th - 6th prizes»
- 7th to 10th prizes »
- 11th to 24th prizes »
- 25th to 49th prizes »
- 50th to 74th prizes »
- 100th to 124th prizes »
- 125th to 149th prizes »
- 150th to 174th prizes »
- 175th to 200th prizes »
The complete list of wine and other raffle prizes can be downloaded in a PRINTABLE PDF here » (NB 31 pages)
Entry into this raffle is deemed acceptace of the full Terms and Conditions here »
CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW »
Prefer a paper ticket? (all States except Tasmania). The list of retail ticket sellers is here »
Further information can also be found at our partners Tyson Stelzer and team's website WineFloodRelief.com.au »
Updated 28 Feb 2011 9.00am
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In an enormous act of generosity by the wine industry, over 300 vineyards and wineries and related businesses – including several who have themselves lost their ... FIND OUT WHO WON THE WINE FLOOD RELIEF RAFFLE HERE – good luck! »
In an enormous act of generosity from the wine industry, over 300 vineyards and wineries and related businesses – including several who have themselves lost their ... raise funds for those affected by recent floods in Victoria, NSW and Queensland, and by cyclone Yasi.
Get your WINE FLOOD RELIEF RAFFLE TICKETS now »
Six packs and dozens of wines each valued at approx A$500 from makers including Domaine Chandon, Brangayne of Orange, Bathe, Stella Bella, Tarrawarra, Spinifex, Tamburlaine, Schild Estate, Paxton, Mitolo and more »
Lots of well known favourites like Vasse Felix semillon and Yalumba viognier mixed with some other great dozens and half dozens from around the country – you won't ... these prizes ranging from A$650 to $500 approx retail value »
Reds from Mount Majura, chardonnay from Printhie, Constellation sparkling, wines from the Clare Valley, pinot gris and more in this lineup worth A$700 to $650 »
You will need the $5000 Orlando Wines holiday for four people in the Barossa Valley if you win this incredible first prize – in total valued at approx A$33,000 – ... wines from Duck Muck to a unique series of Para Vintage tawnies commemorating Queensland flood years back to 1893 »
'But wait, there's more' says the classic ad – and so do we with a lineup of dozens, 6 packs, a magnum, more beers and books, from names like Teusner, Tamar Ridge, ... selections from the Orange cool climate wine region valued from A$1000 to $800 »
The generosity of wine donors has been such that even down to 24th prize the value of each prize is still over A$1000 – and there are another 175 prizes to follow! ... fill this list with tempting and delicious twin packs, half and full dozens, plus some premium lager »
Six packs, dozens, a magnum or two, event tickets, memberships, books.... from big names like Plunkett Fowles, Yabby Lake, Majella, Shaw + Smith, De Bortoli and ... prizes range in value from A$4500 to $3500 and one could be yours »
You'll be awash with great shiraz, cabernet sauvignon, chardonnay, semillon, riesling and more, receiving free wine storage, attending wine and food matching courses, ... prizes from approx A$9000 to $6000 await »
You won't feel disappointed if you win either second or third prizes in the Wine Flood Relief Raffle – valued at approx A$20,000 and A$13,000 – with cases of Leeuwin ... magnums, double magnums and jereboams and many big name Australian wines »
Entry into the Australian Wine Flood Relief Raffle is deemed acceptance of the full Terms and Conditions – read them here »
Pauletts, Mitolo, Nugan Estate, Hanging Rock, Cumulus, Castagne, Bimbadgen, Angove, Wirra Wirra ... the big names just keep on coming with another 25 wine dozens plus half dozens each worth approx A$ 500 »
More dozens, mixed dozens and half dozens from makers such as Pirramimma, Hickinbotham of Dromana, Willow Creek – all valued at approx A$500 – and all prizes with ... Barossa Wine Traveller courtesy of Barossa Wine and Grape Association »
Can we tempt you with some Printhie, Chapel Hill or Glaetzer Anaperenna, or Lerida Estate viognier? Enjoy several dozens and six packs in this prize lineup ranging from A$800 to $700 each »
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