Whether it’s seeing smoky skies above you or hearing the heartbreaking stories told from the flames, the bushfires are spreading and your help has never been needed more. So many people, animals and communities have been left devastated by this unprecedented climate crisis raging through parts of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Queensland, and if you’re able to lend a hand, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to make a valuable difference for those who need it most.
BUSHFIRES IN NUMBERS (6 JANUARY 2020)
• More than 6 million hectares burned
• At least 23 dead and dozens unaccounted
• Over 200 fire fronts burning across multiple states
• At least 1,300 homes have been destroyed
• Half a billion animals are estimated to have died
HELP THE FIREFIGHTERS
State Fire Services
Volunteer fire fighters have been battling tirelessly on the frontlines and you can show your support by donating to the state-based brigades: Victoria, NSW, South Australia and Queensland.
View this post on Instagram
HELP THE COMMUNITIES
Australian Red Cross
With your donation, Red Cross can support people at evacuation centres and recovery hubs, deliver long-term recovery programs in disaster affected communities and provide emergency assistance, which includes cash grants to people who have lost their homes in the bushfires. Your donation will also help Red Cross give psychological first aid to reduce the trauma experienced by the people involved in this disaster.
View this post on Instagram
The Salvation Army
The Salvos need your support to help feed fire fighters and evacuees, as well as to answer the needs of the communities devastated by bushfires. Your money will go towards tailored assistance to each individual and community that includes financial assistance, material assistance, housing support, mental health support, holistic case work, financial counselling plus respite care and breaks. No matter how much you can give, every cent is well accounted for.
View this post on Instagram
Givit
If you don’t have spare cash lying around but you do have household items you can part with, then Givit will help your new and pre-loved donated goods make their way to the people who need them most. Everything from fencing materials, groceries to dog food will help affected communities who may have lost everything to the bushfires. Take your pick from specific items requested by residents in need or fill out a donation form with what you can offer. Givit also accepts funds that will be used to purchase essential items.
View this post on Instagram
Vinnies
Help bushfire victims rebuild their lives with a donation to Vinnies. $50 can provide food for a family who have been evacuated from their home, $150 can help with bills and unexpected expenses for a household in recovery, $300 can provide clothing for a family who have lost their belongings and $1,100 can help those who have had their homes devastated to set up again with bedding, furniture and appliances.
View this post on Instagram
Food Bank
Food Bank is feeding victims and first responders, and need your help to fill up their plate. Food Bank accepts cash donations, but they also are in demand for bottled water, UHT milk, good quality tinned food and meals with ring pulls, cereals, pantry staples like pasta, as well as ‘grab and go’ items like muesli bars. They also require personal care items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner and sanitary items, and they also accept pet food – just head to their website to find the nearest place to donate.
View this post on Instagram
HELP THE ANIMALS
WWF
It’s been estimated that over 480 million animals have been killed in the NSW bushfires alone since September, and the fires continue to burn across critical animal habitats. Koalas in particular have not only been left homeless and suffering from smoke inhalation or burns, but now also face extinction. Your support will help provided much-needed care for injured wildlife and restore their homes once the fires have been cleared.
View this post on Instagram
WIRES
In just December, the WIRES 1300 line received over 20,000 calls and volunteers attended over 3,300 rescues. Their already limited resources have been stretched thin by the bushfires but by donating to their Emergency Fund, you will help them provide food, medical supplies and medication for animals in care as well as replacement of care facilities destroyed by fires.
View this post on Instagram
The Rescue Collective
With nothing to eat and nowhere to go, the local wildlife needs your help. The Rescue Collective is on the ground connecting emergency supplies and resources with rescuers and carers in affected areas across the country. A monetary donation will help them to continue in distributing supplies and directing rescues, but they also need physical help. Their drop off houses in Mount Gravatt, Alderley and Everton Park are accepting donated feed and medical supplies, or lend a hand by making pouches, mittens, wraps and nesting boxes.
View this post on Instagram
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
It’s estimated that a third of the koala population has perished from the bushfires with fears that this number could greatly increase. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is the world’s first rehabilitation facility dedicated solely to the care and preservation of wild koalas, and needs your help to save an Australian icon. Your donation will help provide medical care and aid to the koalas as well as distributing automatic drinking stations in the affected areas to help koala and wildlife survival.
View this post on Instagram
