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The devastating fires, and the continuing, unfolding tragedy in Victoria have surely left no one who has heard of these recent events untouched. At moments like these, our instincts are inevitably to do something, anything to help those suffering.

There are many options, for donating blood, money, clothes, toys and more, outlined here at the ABC

But here’s a thought to perhaps galvanize you, your friends, family and neighbours into action.

This Saturday is Valentine’s day. Valentine is a mythical saint, and no longer considered a real saint by the Catholic church. But one story about Valentine is that he was a martyr for his faith, and before his execution, restored the sight of his gaoler’s daughter.

So, in the spirit of this Valentine, not the valentine of a million tacky cards and heart shaped stuffed toys, here’s something you can do (and at Web Directions we’ll help) to lend some assistance those affected.

Why not invite friends, family and neighbours to your place this Saturday. Ask each of them to bring toys, good quality clothing, and/or to make a donation. Provide some food – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy (in my experience a few Pastizzi go a long way), and ask each to bring something to drink – and on top of hopefully collecting much needed money, clothes and toys, linen and blankets, let’s appreciate what we have, that so many of those affected by the fires have lost – friendship, family, hearth and home.

We’ll be doing that in our local community of Bundeena, where we are no stranger to bushfires (if you would like to drop by here, contact us and we’ll let you know where)
If you plan on doing this, let us know, and we’ll gladly pass on the word, and if you like, we’ll help coordinate how donations can get to people like the Salvos, so that they can get to those who need them most. Heck, if you are in the Sydney area, we’ll even come round and collect clothing, toys and the likes, and get them to the Salvation Army and similar agencies.

Our best intentions can be so often waylaid with the myriad things in our lives – perhaps this might be a way to help ensure those intentions become actions.

And, if you think it is a good idea, please help spread the idea far and wide, via your blogs, twitter, and any other way you can think.