Australia has ended the year 2019 and started 2020 with sad news. As we all know, deadly wildfires have swept an enormous part of the southeast part of the country, including NSW and Victoria. As of January 13, 2020, at least 28 people, including 4 firefighters, have been killed by the raging flames, damaging approximately 10 million hectares of land, and making hundreds and thousands of families homeless. There is now a worldwide movement to help Australia get through hundreds of small and large fires happening simultaneously in the most populated areas of the continent. There are many ways you can help those affected by the bush fires blazing across parts of the country’s east coast that have claimed lives, destroyed homes, and killed millions of animals. Here are some ways we can reach out and give donations for fire victims and support rescuers and others affected by the bush fires.
Support trusted organizations
Wherever you are, whether in or outside Australia, you can help those devastated by this horrific disaster by sending cash donations to different Australian organizations that are actively supporting everyone affected by the bush fires.
Australian Red Cross
Red Cross Australia has a Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund that sent more than a thousand rescue volunteers and staff members to fire-stricken communities in order to extend a hand to evacuation areas and shelters. They also have volunteer medical personnel who monitors the health and gives emergency services for victims who most need it. You can either send your donations for fire victims in cash or kind, and we will make sure that your help will be felt by the unfortunate victims of this tragic disaster.
GIVIT
This unique Australian organization uses the funds and donations they receive to match items specifically requested by the recipients. Donated goods or cash are converted to things that surely help the fire victims, like gas pumps, car batteries, clothes, drinking water, and many more.
Salvation Army Australia
Because transport of goods is a given challenge for volunteers and government staff, this organization requests that cash donations for fire victims be made instead. This way, the donations will be used by the victims according to their own needs, and storage and distribution of goods will not be an additional problem anymore.
St Vincent de Paul Society
This Catholic organization has tens and thousands of volunteers that readily assist people struck by the Australian wildfire. On their website, they have suggested specific cash amounts and noted what each of these could do to help those in need. They calculated and mentioned that with $50, food could be given to a family displaced by the fires. With $150, a family could feel safe as the bills and other unexpected expenses can be covered. With $300, a family could be provide with clothing, especially since they left all their belongings just to be saved from the wildfires. Donating $1100 could help a family set up and build their new house. However, you can still give your donations for fire victims in any amount that you are capable of giving.
NSW Rural Fire Service and Victorian Country Fire Authority
Since NSW and Victoria are the two states most hit by the bush fires, many firefighters and community workers are brought to the area to help the victims. Giving your donations to these organizations will help those volunteers and fire servicemen continue to help unfortunate residents of NSW and Victoria, as well as its neighboring cities and states.
Support wildlife rescues
The horrifying fires that are affecting the southern parts of Australia have devastated not only humans but wildlife as well. We have seen animals like kangaroos, koalas, and other wildlife creatures get killed or injured by the bush fires. Sending our donations to help volunteers and wildlife organizations to extend their help in this unfortunate time is also a great way to show our concern and support. Here are some of the known organizations that provide wildlife rescue and assistance efforts
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
- RSPCA New South Wales (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New South Wales)
- Australian Koala Foundation
- Koalas in Care, Inc.
- World Wildlife Fund
- WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.)
Use social media to spread awareness
Celebrities and athletes alike have, aside from making donations for fire victims and rescuers, turned to their social media platforms to raise awareness and pledged their support to the Australian bush fires victims. Australian celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Cate Blanchett, Keith Urban, Portia de Rossi, Chris and Liam Hemsworth, and Russell Crowe are among the many Hollywood A-listers who showed their support to Australia in this trying times. Crowdfunding services like GoFundMe pages have been created to raise money and fund temporary relocation costs, basic amenities, resettling expenses, and a lot more. Create posts that give people ideas on how to reach out and help in their own little ways.
Provide temporary shelters
Are you living in Australia, or do you have a place in Australia that can be rented temporarily? You can open your house to evacuees and provide safe and secure shelters to the victims. There is also an app called Airbnb that offers temporary housing for displaced victims of this fiery disaster.