My life has changed this week. As have the lives of many of my friends and loved ones. And it’s been changed thanks to Baked Relief (or #bakedrelief if you are on twitter!).
What is it? It’s a revolution that has come about to feed the survivors of the Brisbane floods. It was initiated by my friend Danielle Crismani (@digellabakes on twitter) who needed to do SOMETHING to take her mind of her boys being stranded in the Lockyer Valley (with her mum, whose property was affected by flooding – they are all safe). She came up with the idea of baking some relief for the State Emergency Services volunteers who were sandbagging around Brisbane.
Word quickly spread – via her blog Digella Emporium and via twitter – and now it is bigger than Ben Hur!
Egg and dairy free date loaves, gluten free carrot muffins, veggie and bacon slice |
My first baked relief – 120 pork sausage rolls |
How can you help?
I’m now starting to coordinate stage 2: ADOPT A FAMILY {I’m calling it stage 2, but it’s probably stage 4, 5 or 6…}.
This involves matching families in need with people who are prepared to feed them a meal a week – possibly for up to a year. Ideally this will include a meal for the host family where applicable.
If you want to be involved please email me mel@melkettle.com.au with #bakedrelief in the subject line.
If you want to cook for a family I need to know:
- your name, email, mobile phone number
- suburbs you are prepared to travel to with meals
- how many people you are prepared to feed in a family
- what days you can provide meals
If you would like to register for a weekly meal I need to know:
- your name, email, mobile phone number, address where you are staying
- how many people need to be fed (and this should include your host family – they will need a break too!), broken down into adults and children
- any dietary requirements
- any other information I might need to know (access, preferred days, etc)
I’m hoping to be able to start matching families the week of 31 January 2011.
Devastation at Fig Tree Pocket – day 3 post-flood. These friends will be lucky to be back within a year. |
Friend’s kitchen. It was one of the most beautiful and practical kitchen’s I’ve ever seen. |
Mossology says
Way to go Mel. I’ve linked from the usual Qld flood help page:
http://mossology.wordpress.com/qld-floods-help/
Let me know if you want any changes.
Mel Kettle says
that looks fine to me, thanks very much.
Kathryn says
Fantastic idea Mel, I’ll start spreading the word!
Julia Birks says
Hi Mel,
This is great work – we delivered scones, brownies and fruit to the cleanup team at GOMA yesterday (closed until further notice, but apparently they saved all the artwork!).
Chloe is without a job at the moment as New Farm Deli is shut until further notice (Coles carpark still being flushed out) – so I’ve suggested this program to her.
Renee says
Mel what a wonderful idea. I am so proud of all the effort you guys are putting in- the #bakedrelief movement is incredible! I’ll pm you about adopting a family soon 🙂
Wendy says
You guys are wonderful!!!!!!!!! If I wasn’t moving overseas I would totally love to adopt a family.
God bless you all.
MaidInAustralia says
Way to go. I’m spreading the word too.
xo
SunRae says
I came across your link on Digella’s. I live on the Gold Coast & don’t have access to a car most days so unfortunately I can’t help out with distributing food. I can however offer weekend retreat in the form of 2 free nights in share accommodation, with hearty meals, hugs & friendship included to couples & families in need of some time out to recharge batteries & recuperate. I have 1 double bedroom & 1 single bed available in a resort style complex & my family & I would love to help make a difference if possible. Please let me know if you come across anyone who could use this. Keep up the good work girls … you are an inspiration. Wishing you all the best.
Maree: says
I’ve also come from Digella’s blog..and too on the Gold Coast…do you know if they will be taking more baked goodies for the weekend I have a freezer full of cakes & muffins..the local church here is delivery to brissy but told me yesterday the SES don’t want anymore cakes etc…I am hoping that they do for the weekend so I can pass on what I have made..
cheers
Barbara says
It all looks delicious Mel.Well done.