The J.K. Rowling Index

List of all J.K. Rowling's writings.

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Shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the bush fires

Index ID: SSNBF — Publication date: After February, 2009

Note: Hundreds of signed copies of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' by J. K. Rowling were donated by Rowling for children impacted by the Black Saturday bushfires, a series of bushfires that either ignited or were already burning across the Australian state of Victoria on and around Saturday, 7 February 2009, and were among Australia's all-time worst bushfire disasters (173 fatalities). The inside cover includes some words from J.K. Rowling, and each book also includes a signed bookplate.

Like millions of people across the world, I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the bush fires that have casued so much devastation and loss of life in Australia. My thoughts were, particularly, with the children and teenagers who have so suddenly and brutally lost their homes and possessions, and who must have known such fear and disorientation in the aftermath of this disaster.

With the support of my wonderful Australian publishers, Allen & Unwin, I am delighted to help dontate Harry Potter books to replace at least some of those which were burned, along with some signed bookplates, so that readers who enjoy regular trips to Hogwarts can continue visiting. There is always a space in Gryffindor Tower for people who triumph – even if not quite unscathed – over adversity!

With my love and best wishes,
J. K. Rowling

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