The Australian bushfires - how you can help

With the devasting bushfires continuing to wreak havoc across Australia, we outline how you can help:

Direct to firefighting efforts

Relief and support efforts

  • Australia's Red Cross Disaster relief and recovery fund helps support evacuation centers and recovery programs for the affected communities.
  • A GoFundMe page has been set up as a relief fund for First Nations communities to offer "culturally sensitive, specific direct support to some of those communities with critical costs to cover expenses."
  • The Victorian Bushfire Appeal is where state premier Daniel Andrews is suggesting to donate. The appeal directs money to communities in need, giving directly to those affected by the fires. 
  •  The St Vincent de Paul society is helping people on the ground in rebuilding, providing food and clothing and emotional support. It has a donation page here.
  • Longer term support for communities affected by the fires will be necessary once the fires settle and that's where the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal comes in.
  • The Salvation Army has a disaster appeal donations page set up to deliver support to local communities affected by the blazes.

Wildlife

  • The World Wildlife Fund accepts donations to help support conservation activities, particularly related to koalas. Money can help provide emergency care during bushfires.
  • Zoos Victoria have established a Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund which funds emergency vet assistance and "scientific intervention." You can donate to the fund here and it seems to accept PayPal and credit cards.
  • The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital has already raised in excess of $2 million to help search for and protect the koalas in the region. You can donate at its GoFundMe page.
  • Wires is an Australia wildlife rescue organization with a myriad ways to help Australia's native fauna. Donations can be made through its website.

 

 

6th January, 2020