General Chat

Sydney Oz are talking about turning there New Year celebrations and fireworks into a fund raiser, for the devastation that has hit our planet. There was talk of stopping the celebrations out of respect, but are now talking about turning it into a fund raiser. They hope to raise over 5 million dollars. If everybody just gave a little it would soon add up. 125 thousand dead now, with 80,000 in Indonesia. Dont feel like celebrating myself personally. Tony Oz

wow brilliant idea maybe it shud b done here too

The British public have raised £25 million in 24 hours which has gone to help with aid for all the people in the disaster. Sue

That 25 million raised by the public has shamed the government to increasing their donation to 50 million - so even better news. On the ITN news tonight said USA had pledged just 13 million - that cant be right surely? Kxx

Hi Anthony, On sunrise on seven they raised 1 and a half milllion in three hours for World Vision, and thats just people watching that show, lets hope everybody gives something, it will all make a difference. And like you i dont feel like celebrating either. Regards Theresa

There will be one minute silence at 9.00 pm, Australian time. 13 hrs to go to 2005 on the East coast of Oz. Aus is pledging 35 million so far. We can do better. The U.S.A is 45 million, and i think the U.K ( according to Sky news.) is 50 million.? Tony Oz.

If all these famous Popstars/Dj's/Comedians/politicians and businesses gave a £1000-00 each just think how much more money would go to buying more aid for the disaster relief. Just think of how much would be raised. In the Town where I live every shopkeeper has either a jar on the counter that you can put your loose change in or like 1 of them he has a black bin outside his shop tied to the doorway for people that pass or go into the shop. Hope the famous people can at least give that amount I have said at the top for all these people in the disaster. Sue

Hi Tony, From what I've had time to read this morning it seems that the Ozzies are doing very well with donations and all our local councils are launching appeals on monday, the unions are too. Most of our aid is going to Indonesia, but we have sent medical teams to the Maldives, Sumatra, Colombo and Sri Lanka. We have set up hospitals, as well as sending police, a navy ship, choppers, a forensic team and supplies are still being air lifted. Our famous fireworks display, which costs millions each year, can at long last be justified, perhaps from now on it could be used as a fundraiser. There is grave concern for 41 Australians now. Kaye.

Hi Kaye. I had a phone call from my eldest girls this morning. They had told me that their children ( my grandkids.) want to give there pocket money to the releif aid. This brought a lump in my throat, and made me feel very proud of them. Its only a couple of dollars, but Geeee'z i love them. Tony Oz

Hi Debra. Thats great. It all helps. Watching the tele this morning, and the small now parentless children. It just breaks my heart. Tony Oz

Great Idea Tony, we live in Yarrawonga on the Murray so we are not near Sydney or Melbourne but there is a relief night happening in Albury and I just heard of one in Yackandanda so the country towns are trying to help and it just as easy to get on the net or go to your nearest bank as they all seem to be acting as agents Melbourne City council are giving $50,000 as a lot of people were saying cancel the fireworks show tonight but as the Mayor said we all need something to celebrate at the moment all though it seems indecent really sad to be having any sort of good time at the moment as I said before in my reply to Rebecca at least we saw humans helping humans no matter what faith it was enough to make you think as a race that we have a chance of surviving if we all hang together and not let those that would pit one religion or race against another God bless all those who have lost love ones or are still waiting fo news our love and prayers are with you all Regards Laraine

I don't feel like celebrating the new year but good comes from bad. I know it's hard to see right now and so many people are grieving and worrying but we're all coming together. For the first time since I was born (22 years ago) I've seen humans unite and do what they can to help others. The situation is awful but I am so proud that a world that is still so distraught due to war, famine and disease, is coming together and doing what they can. We are all human, politics, religion and race are all irrelevant. becx (humbled)