by Richard Hopper

The terrible and tragic events that unfolded on 11 March have touched our own corner of the world at Kuranda. We watched as the television brought horrific pictures to our screens and devastating images to our newspapers and electronic media. The world was in shock.

Whist Queenslanders have had their own share of freak weather events in recent times and supported each other on the road to recovery, we surely have not been submitted to such a violent, sudden act of nature at its fiercest as we have recently witnessed.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami that struck off the coast of Japan was and is an event that has affected many of us.

So touched are the stall holders and market traders at Kuranda Heritage Market that many of them have been furiously knitting and crochuring much needed warm patchwork blankets that are desperately required by those who survived this event.

Others at the market have donated money to buy wool and some have donated money to assist in helping with postage costs that may be incurred in getting these much needed blankets overseas.

One market trader, Yuki, has been instrumental in assisting with this project and is the driving force in helping achieve the goal of providing much needed warmth and comfort to the victims of this International catastrophic event.

It truly is a wonderful gesture from the traders at the Kuranda Heritage Market and shows that whilst our own region is suffering from the economic downturn and our own recent disasters, there are those amongst us who realise that others in the world are hurting too and are prepared to reach out and offer support to our friends in Japan.

Donation boxes have been placed in various locations at the market should you wish to help with monetary contributions or wool supplies.