Big bake offers relief after disaster

The saying “baked with love” has never been truer than in the case of Geraldton woman Meredith Roe.

Ms Roe is the founder of the WA branch of Baked Relief — a charity group supporting those affected by natural disaster.

Its support comes in the form of a tasty distraction — with communities donating baked goods and cards of encouragement to those left in crisis.

Now the oven has been reignited in the wake of the Esperance fires, which has had Geraldton and surrounding towns slaving away in the kitchen for several days.

Ms Roe, who has a drop-off point outside of her house, said she was busily planning the collection of what she hoped would be more than 700 tasty treats.

“We’re going to be delivering to the people of Esperance at the end of this week … we’ll be distributing them to all different types of people,” he said.

“Whether it’s to those helping with the clean-up or the firefighters’ wives, it’s to give support to anyone affected.”

Geraldton’s last big bake was for Carnarvon residents earlier this year, after the town was devastated by cyclone Olwyn.

Ms Roe, who works at Nagle Catholic College, delivered more than 200 packages to one of the local schools, which were then dished out to affected families.

Ms Roe said people were always looking for ways to help and Baked Relief was the easiest way they knew how.

“I’ve always had a really strong sense of community and I, like a lot of other people, am always looking for something to do after our neighbouring towns face a tragedy,” she said.

“Baking is something everyone can do but the most important part of it all is the message of support we attach with them.

“You may not understand it, but a disaster like that really crushes morale and these gifts are a way of showing we’re here to support them.”

For more information on the group’s next drive, check out the Baked Relief WA Facebook page for information on dates and how to package products.