Virtual world reaches out to flood victims

Brisbane artist Kat Johnston's flood relief concert is going to be big.

But you probably won't recognise any of the acts on the bill, or even the currency she's raising funds in.

Not to mention why all the cool kids are bringing their bunnies along.

Johnston has organised a fundraiser for the Queensland Premier's Flood Relief Appeal in Second Life - a virtual world that allows people from all over the real world to socialise.

A Second Life resident since doing her Masters in Arts and Creative Industries Management at the Queensland University of Technology a few years ago, she says it's a good platform for charity.

Cancer fundraiser Relay For Life last year pulled around $220,000 from Second Life, she said.

"It exists in a micro-economy, so as a result of a lot of people giving a little bit, all those little bits add up," Johnston, who is known as Sanura Sakai on Second Life, said.

"It's like giving play money, but it is real money because you buy Linden dollars with real dollars or earn them through creating items on Second Life and selling them."

Her Second Life fundraisers are like those you would find in real life.

A market with 70 vendors from around the world is selling typical market items like clothing, furniture and jewellery - all for use on Second Life.

But other items aren't so everyday.

A "jar of love hugs" that a resident can use to show their support for flood victims is selling for 50 Linden dollars (the currency of Second Life), which is about $US0.20.

The item that has fetched the most so far is a pet bunny - all the rage in Second Life - which raised $US237 at auction.

Johnston has also organised a 48-hour Australia Day benefit concert with some of Second Life's biggest acts.

Among them is folk band Soar - three Australians in real life - who will perform their ballad Rise, which is dedicated to the flood disaster.

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