Aussies donate $30m for bushfire victims

Public donations for bushfire victims have topped $30 million in just two days in an
unprecedented outpouring of generosity and community spirit.
The death toll from Victoria's horrific bushfires has risen to 181, with 26 fires
still burning across the state.
Ordinary Australians have responded by opening their hearts and wallets to help
people faced with rebuilding their homes and lives.
A total of $28 million has been donated to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund, which
doesn't include corporate and government donations.
The Salvation Army's appeal had raised $5.5 million by Tuesday afternoon.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced an extra $5 million on top of the $10
million already pledged by the federal government.
Big and small businesses and sporting organisations have also cast off global
financial woes to help.
The NSW government and the City of Melbourne each announced $1 million donations on
Tuesday, matching earlier million-dollar pledges by the South Australian, Queensland
and West Australian governments.
Aldi Supermarkets gave $250,000.
Honda Australia donated $200,000, while the Australia Olympic Committee and V8
Supercars Australia each donated $100,000.
Australian golfers Craig Parry and Nick O'Hern pledged a total of $200,000, while
the proceeds of race meetings in Victoria this weekend will also go to the appeal.
The Australian cricket team's one day match with New Zealand in Adelaide on Tuesday
was also turned into a fundraiser.
Salvation Army media director Pat Daley said money had been pouring in from the
public and the business community since the fund was set up on Sunday.
"It is incredible," he said.
"It's never happened like this before.
"It surpasses everything, the tsunami, Cyclone Tracy."
The Victorian Bushfire Fund was set up only on Monday by the Australian Red Cross
and the federal government.
Red Cross chief executive Robert Tickner said the tragedy had transcended the
financial crisis and provoked an "overwhelming" response from the public.
"I think that this has been such an overwhelming demonstration of what Red Cross
describes as the power of humanity, and when there is a crisis people just pull
together and do what needs to be done," he said.
"Not everyone can be on the front line with the firefighters and emergency services
but everyone can help our fellow Australians.
"Without question, financial support is going to be the most helpful donation at
this stage and not one cent will be deducted from the appeal for administration."
NSW Premier Nathan Rees said his government's contribution would be made to the Red
Cross appeal. A condolence book would also be placed at NSW Parliament House.
"This is a time of national crisis and NSW stands ready to help our Victorian
neighbours however we can," Mr Rees said in a statement on Tuesday.
"This $1 million contribution is another way the people of NSW can reach out to
those who have lost everything in Victoria."
Meanwhile, a Salvation Army double decker bus fitted out with internet access, a
plasma TV and video games will be located to Whittlesea for use by the Victorian
bushfire victims.
The Salvos' Major Brendan Nottle said the bus is usually used around Melbourne to
engage homeless youth but is being sent to the Whittlesea relief centre north of
Melbourne to allow people to get in touch with family or friends on the internet.
"It will serve two purposes," Major Nottle said.
"The people up there are still having difficulties using the phones so this will
allow them to get on the internet to tell their friends and family they are safe.
"And it will help us meet the young people who can come in and use the facilities
while we talk with them about what they have gone through."