Help children and families devastated by flood

Hi. I’m Natalie. I lived in Innisfail, FNQ for 16 years where I lived through two major cyclones, including Cyclone Larry, the fear of loss of my home and potentially also our lives and was part of the recovery process. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist also and work for my own local business in Lismore CBD, Grounded in Growth (www.groundedingrowth.org) 

 I moved to South Lismore almost 5 years ago and just recently moved to another part nearby. 

Shortly after moving to South Lismore, as a single Mum with two small children, I experienced the 2017 flood and along with it the fear, anxiety, evacuation and loss of many possessions and special memory items including photos and many other sentimental things. 

My children both went to South Lismore Public School and my daughter still does. (Or did)… as

Now her school has been completely flooded. 

My children, partner and I have numerous friends and family who lived in South and North Lismore who were trapped in their homes begging for help during this flood and some who were then trapped on the roof for hours waiting to be rescued. The children grandparents have lost everything, as has my partners father. 

While I am beyond grateful to have moved ten kms now from the flood area many of my connections and my children’s are with the area and our hearts are breaking for many of the people we care about. 

My daughter went through her toys and has some ready to give to her friends, the majority of whom have lost everything in and their homes and

many of whom will no doubt be traumatised and deeply grieving, along with their parents and families.

I am hoping that with whatever donations are made my family and I can provide some of the children and families we know well with what they most need. 

I will connect with each family and once I know exactly how much Is raised I will gather together their most needed items, based on what is most important for their family. This could include food, medications, water, toiletries, basic necessity items, childrens sensory items or other things that a family may need. 

I hope that you’ll join me in helping in this small way and am more than happy for you to contact me to find out how the funds are used along the way. 

I’ve done my best and will continue to do my best to help in whatever way I can. 

Please send out love to all the people effected and thank you so much for your kindness if you choose to give what you can.

Natalie