In the last few days, Victoria suffered a massive tragedy. With the summer's heatwave at its peak, arsonists (mother-fuckas who have nothing better to effing do) have set ablaze at least 25 bushfires across the state of Victoria.

With the death toll approaching 200 and almost 1000 homes destroyed, Australia has rallied around and raised $30 million for the victims.

A total of $28 million has been donated to the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund, which doesn't include corporate and government donations.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has announced an extra $5 million on top of the $10 million already pledged by the federal government.

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.

Help even came from Singapore and New Zealand!!!

Singapore has offered Australia the use of a fleet of helicopters based in Queensland to battle wildfires that have claimed 173 lives, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has said.

"If it would be helpful to your efforts, Singapore can offer the use of our Super Puma helicopters currently stationed in Oakey for your relief efforts," Mr Lee said in a letter to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd .

"We are also ready to help in any other way that we can," he added in the letter, released by Singapore's foreign ministry late Monday (local time).

The Super Puma helicopters are suitable for search and rescue operations and to transport people and equipment.

Because of its limited local airspace, Singapore has stationed 12 Super Pumas in Oakey, Queensland for more than a decade under an agreement with the Australian Government to allow its air force to conduct training exercises.

Mr Lee also said he was "deeply saddened" to learn of the loss of lives and extensive damage caused by the Australian fires.

- *AFP*

I'm proud to be a Singaporean, now and forever! :)

Medical personnel, firefighters, forensics specialists, The Red Cross, trucking companies and volunteers from all over Australia have also made their way to Victoria to offer assistance.

The saddest thing about this tragedy is that, it takes a tragedy of this magnitude to bring out the humanity in people.

Wonder why it takes so much for the human race to show kindness, to extend a helping hand, to give without taking.

May God bless us all in this trying times!

Labels: just me, news n gossip