Between the floods in north queensland, the fires in new south wales and the fires in victoria this is turning into one of the worst times in recorded history for australia.
131 dead in the victorian fires, 5 dead in the floods (one young lad taken by a croc) and luckily none dead (that we know of) in the new south wales fires
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This was posted a short while ago on ninemsn.com.au, shows how much this has touched folks here
A statement from the Red Cross said that at 6.30pm (AEDT) on Monday, the fund had received $7.9 million from more than 45,500 website and phone donations.
Similarly, the Salvation Army's bushfire appeal had received $2 million in just one day, and expected it to hit $3 million by Tuesday.
"We've cracked the $2 million mark. It's an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill never seen before in our living memories," Salvation Army spokesman Pat Daley said.
"It's really touched a nerve in the Australian community."
Big businesses has pledged more, with Tabcorp leading the donations at $2 million.
The country's four big banks - ANZ, Commonwealth, National Australia and Westpac - have contributed $1 million each.
Many companies, including Telstra, which has so far pledged $500,000, are also donating services, such as free phone diversions.
Australia's sporting organisations are also getting involved.
An appeal will run throughout Tuesday night's one-day cricket international between Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, while revenue from tickets sold to the game from Monday onwards will be donated to a Commonwealth Bank Appeal.
The Australian players will donate all their match fees from the fixture to the bushfire appeal, while Cricket Australia has contributed $100,000 and the South Australian Cricket Association has pledged $25,000.
The AFL has rescheduled a pre-season Cup clash between the Western Bulldogs and Essendon from Darwin to Melbourne on Friday night, with all proceeds to go to the Victorian government's appeal fund.
The Nine Network will hold a telethon on Thursday night to raise funds. It will be hosted by Eddie McGuire.
Meanwhile, legendary singer Leonard Cohen, Paul Kelly, AEGLive UK and The Frontier Touring Company have announced their intention to donate $200,000.
