It’s not often that simple tasks like shopping or baking let you help out your fellow man (and woman, and four-legged, fanged or feathered friends), but then again it’s not often that nearly an entire state disappears under water. It’s not for us to give you the statistics on the tragic natural disaster that has affected most of Queensland (including Brisbane, home of Peppermint), but instead to let you know the range of ways you can help get affected communities back on their feet.

In future weeks we’ll be doing our bit too, but for now we urge you all to donate whatever you can directly to the Queensland Premier’s Flood Relief effort, and read on to find out more about those in our community already generously (and creatively) offering support.

Baked Relief: an initiative to provide food to flood victims, volunteers and emergency services: those helping clean up and just anyone who is out there doing what they can. Bake up a storm and hand out as needed! Alternately donate to their appeal to help raise funds to buy food. Also running Adopt-A-Family where individuals can ‘sponsor’ a family with food ongoing.

Brisstyle Handmade Ark Appeal: Simply purchase a handmade item from a participating BrisStyle members Etsy shop and the funds will be donated directly to the Flood Appeal.

That Vintage: Sophie from That Vintage is running an auction of her beautiful handmade timber accessories with all proceeds going to the Flood Appeal.

Art 4 Heart: An initiative by illustrators Kelly Smith and Beth Emily, Art 4 Heart is a collaborative art auction starting from the 18th – 27th of January to raise funds for the Flood Appeal. Every item has been kindly donated by its creator (including Peppermint faves Bec Winnel, Lauren Carney and Courtney Brims) and there is a wonderful assortment of illustrations, prints, jewellery and much more to auction away.

Alice Euphemia: Melbourne designer boutique organising a garage sale for January 29 with the proceeds going towards the Queensland RSPCA and the Flood Appeal. Drop in and grab yourself a bargain, or go the extra mile and donate clothing, jewellery, accessories and shoes that you no longer need (all items must be received by January 22).

So Ethic: Guilt-free green shopping is already a given at this not-for-profit online store, but it is also currently donating profits from purchases to the Flood Appeal.

Polli: Throughout January Polli is giving 20% from all its online orders of jewellery, decorations and homewares to the Flood Appeal.

Queensland Flood Appeal Auctions: An ever-growing list of handmade artists and crafters and bloggers participating in auctions where 100% of proceeds are donated.

Dig deep and shop to your heart’s desire!

(Please note: this is just a small list of the amazing things being rallied around the country – please feel free to add any initiatives in the comments below. To all involved, we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for your generous and selfless support).

UPDATE: Rest assured we haven’t forgotten about our Victorian friends! With rural flooding in the state worsening, you can also donate direct to the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal online.