BUSH FIRE UPDATE:
After coordinating our strategy to support the victims of the terrible bush fires raging here in Victoria in particular, I have contacted all the various Councils and also the Sikh community and they have assured me that …at this time… there is absolutely no need to have direct food distribution outlets.
There is so much food that has been donated they have a problem with storage.
The Lion’s clubs of the various municipalities and the Army are taking care of those that need meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and the numbers are decreasing daily.
Through my contact with my Sikh counterpart in the Faith Community Council of Vic., our Temple offered to relieve our Sikh brothers and sisters of their amazing service to the community in Bairnsdale if they needed a break, or if they need to establish other outlets, we would assist with our Hare Krishna Food for Life team.
However, the Sikh community has in fact been turned away from some affected communities and were left with large volumes of food which they had to bring back to the Gurdwara, as the demand is not there at this present moment.
So I have left the Hare Krishna Food for Life details and contact numbers with the affected Councils and relief agencies and if there is a need in the near future, the Hare Krishna Food for Life team will supply freshly cooked healthy vegetarian/ vegan meals as soon as they contact us.
All they are now asking for is MONEY and volunteers to help mend fences etc.
Hare Krishna Food for Life will be establishing a Bushfire Relief Donation line and all funds to this donation line will ensure that your donations do not go to activities or items that are contrary to our devotional Vedic principles.
If that is not a concern for you, go directly to the Bendigo Bank Bushfire Disaster Appeal (endorsed by the Vic. Govt.).
This disaster will affect thousands of people for many months and so another vital service that the Hare Krishna Food for Life team hopes to render is working with the Victorian Council of Churches Emergencies Ministry offering Spiritual care to those wishing our spiritual support and counsel.
Your servant, Bhakta dasa.