The generosity of Otago people is humbling.
The Otago Daily Times has received more than 30 offers of accommodation for people left homeless by the Victorian bushfires.
The offers were made after the newspaper yesterday published an article featuring Dunedin woman Barbara Wilson, who offered to open her home to those left homeless in the wake of the unfolding tragedy.
Ms Wilson wanted other people to do the same "to show the world how generous we can be".
The offers yesterday came from throughout the province - from Dunedin to Queenstown to Hampden to Patearoa and many points in between.
"I knew . . . people were right behind it," Ms Wilson said when contacted yesterday.
She believed it was "only the beginning".
We agree.
As a result of the support, the ODT has been in preliminary discussions with various groups and agencies - including the Dunedin City Council, the I-Site Dunedin Visitors Centre, Tourism Dunedin and the tourism industry - about what can be arranged.
All are fully supportive of the project.
A meeting of representatives of various groups will be held today to decide how best to proceed.
And, like Ms Wilson, we too are calling on Southerners to open their hearts for the project.
If you can provide accommodation, or are a business owner who may wish to supply goods or services, or can otherwise extend the hand of friendship to bushfire survivors, please email our appeal co-ordinator Tina Stevens at tina.stevens@alliedpress.co.nzThe Government has begun a fund for Australian bushfire victims with a $500,000 donation.
The fund is being run by the New Zealand Red Cross.
People can donate through www.redcross.org.nz or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 33200.
