RARE Emergency for Rod
Donation protected
Rod Simpson, a passionate, dedicated, conservationist, wildlife carer, animal rescuer and maker of RARE Bags – which raise awareness of our planet and how we should respect and care for it – lost all in the unforgiving fires that ravaged the area of Drake in northern NSW on the 8th and 9th of September.
All the hard work, over many years, to create a haven for native wildlife and rescued animals, was gone in the blink of an eye.
His only option was to quickly grab his two dogs, jump in his truck, and hope his horses and beloved native animals being rehabilitated were able to get to safety.
The tears he shed as he apologized to those he could not take with him at that tragic point will haunt him forever. When ordered to leave by the emergency services, you have little time to waste.
With the RFS in tow, he made it out of the encroaching blaze as he saw his humble property disappear behind him in a thick cloud of smoke.
His only thoughts were of the animals. He was their guardian angel.
When he caught word in the local township that his horses – one was old and almost blind – managed to escape the fire he retained a small glimmer of hope for the others.
When he made it into town he stayed at the community centre, but his Land Rover broke down. And he needs at least a few thousand to get his trusty truck fixed.
When his property was inspected, he was told that the house and the little cottage were completely destroyed. His work shed, where he makes those amazing bags, was badly damaged.
And it’s not over yet, with threats of more fires in the area as I write this.
Rod has been standing up for our precious planet for decades. It’s time we helped him out.
Rod was informed that there were emergency grants to victims of the fire, but it turns out it is actually a loan that you have to pay back. That’s just not on.
Rod is without a roof over his head – he is currently residing in a local park with his dogs – and he has a broken down car, no money, no food for the wildlife, no computer, no business. And we all think we have problems.
He has done the necessary paperwork and is awaiting insurance inspectors to assess the damage. It doesn’t happen overnight. And to make matters even worse, bureaucracy is being…well…annoying to say the least. I won’t even go there.
I know how many of you LOVE his bags. He has such a big heart. It’s time we showed him we have big hearts too. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give. Remember, it’s the fact that you care enough to contribute that really counts. No one will judge as we all have different circumstances.
Thank you in advance. Let’s show Rod some love!
All the hard work, over many years, to create a haven for native wildlife and rescued animals, was gone in the blink of an eye.
His only option was to quickly grab his two dogs, jump in his truck, and hope his horses and beloved native animals being rehabilitated were able to get to safety.
The tears he shed as he apologized to those he could not take with him at that tragic point will haunt him forever. When ordered to leave by the emergency services, you have little time to waste.
With the RFS in tow, he made it out of the encroaching blaze as he saw his humble property disappear behind him in a thick cloud of smoke.
His only thoughts were of the animals. He was their guardian angel.
When he caught word in the local township that his horses – one was old and almost blind – managed to escape the fire he retained a small glimmer of hope for the others.
When he made it into town he stayed at the community centre, but his Land Rover broke down. And he needs at least a few thousand to get his trusty truck fixed.
When his property was inspected, he was told that the house and the little cottage were completely destroyed. His work shed, where he makes those amazing bags, was badly damaged.
And it’s not over yet, with threats of more fires in the area as I write this.
Rod has been standing up for our precious planet for decades. It’s time we helped him out.
Rod was informed that there were emergency grants to victims of the fire, but it turns out it is actually a loan that you have to pay back. That’s just not on.
Rod is without a roof over his head – he is currently residing in a local park with his dogs – and he has a broken down car, no money, no food for the wildlife, no computer, no business. And we all think we have problems.
He has done the necessary paperwork and is awaiting insurance inspectors to assess the damage. It doesn’t happen overnight. And to make matters even worse, bureaucracy is being…well…annoying to say the least. I won’t even go there.
I know how many of you LOVE his bags. He has such a big heart. It’s time we showed him we have big hearts too. It doesn’t matter how much or how little you give. Remember, it’s the fact that you care enough to contribute that really counts. No one will judge as we all have different circumstances.
Thank you in advance. Let’s show Rod some love!
Organizer
Fran Gipani
Organizer
Lytton, QLD