My name is Dr. Surjit Tarafdar and I work as a physician at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital in Western Sydney. Since my arrival in Australia 14 years ago, I have never seen this beautiful and welcoming country face the level of devastation that it does now with the recent onset of massive bushfires.
 
With this fundraiser, I would like to put forth the following two proposals, from which the donor may pick and engage in one-

 -Suggest 2 days of sustenance on minimal food. No cooked meals or restaurant meals or alcohol. Save that money we would have spent on ourselves and donate it for the fire victims.

-Those of us who for medical reasons cannot abstain from food could try staying off their favorite treat or drink for a week- could be the daily coffee, a glass of wine or the post-dinner dessert.

People all across Australia have responded with immense care, understanding, and generosity. I know that many of us have personally donated in cash or kind, but every extra dollar will have an impact.
 
Furthermore, I feel that it will give one a perspective of how difficult it must be for the fire affected who are almost homeless now to survive with their families on minimum food.
 
Please, I urge you to pass on this message to your friends, relatives and colleagues.