Posted 2/9/2009:
Long term member Heather Smyth, who lives in Kinglake Victoria, has just borne the brunt
of the savage bushfires ripping through the state.
Overnight, the fire which looked as if it would spare the town, swept back with a wind change
and Heather and her husband, Mike had just enough time to save their lives (and their dog's)
by driving through the fire. The township of Kinglake has been destroyed along with many lives.
Heather and Mike have lost everything - their house and workshop and all their personal
belongings, including Heather's massive PS and TNG collection. Everything has been burnt
to the ground.
Heather and Mike are not insured.
The village and outlying areas has a population of approximately 2,000 and 37 people
have now been declared dead. Heather told another member that up to 400 are still missing.
For a small community that is a devastating toll.
If anyone is interested in making a donation to help Heather and Mike get some of the
necessities to help them get back on their feet, please see the three options below.
1. Go to PayPal.com and send money to:
debg@patrickstewart.org
Please make sure you put "Help Heather and Mike" in the Notes section. We know Paypal
takes a percentage from the amount sent through PayPal, but the club will make up the difference.
2. You may send your check or money orders (in US dollars only, drawn on a US bank), made
payable to PSN to:
Patrick Stewart Network
Help Heather
PO Box 457
Rancocas, NJ 08073
Also, include your e-mail address if you want confirmation of receipt - and print clearly!
3. Coming soon... a place to send your donations in the UK and Europe.
Heather wanted us to pass on to all of you her gratitude for the sympathy and kind thoughts
being sent her way. Please keep Heather and Mike in your thoughts and prayers.