Bushfire Action: How to Help
It’s hard not to feel overwhelmed and helpless at the scale and severity of the current bushfire emergency. But by rising up together and all pitching in, we show humanity at its finest. There are so many places who need support right now, so we’ve gathered together just some of the people and organisations who are providing direct, tangible help to those on the ground.
Foodbank. Australia’s largest hunger relief organisation is sending food and water to the areas that need it, with interstate donations passed directly to fire-affected communities in NSW and Victoria. Whilst they always welcome food donations, after being overwhelmed at the volume of goods, they’re now asking people to prioritise the giving of funds. Thanks to our amazing community who took part in our Brisbane FoodBank drive – you all rock!
Animal Rescue Craft Guild. Part of the Animal Rescue Collective, the Craft Guild are asking for people to knit, crochet and sew items including koala mittens, bat wraps and joey pouches for injured and displaced wildlife.
Spend With Them. Burns survivor and motivational speaker Turia Pitt has launched ‘Spend With Them’ – an Instagram account featuring businesses from fire-affected communities. This was inspired by the Buy From The Bush initiative – a social media campaign launched late last year to support businesses facing drought.
Fire Relief Fund for First Nations Communities. This fundraiser was started to provide culturally sensitive, specific support to fire-affected First Nations communities and has already raised over $500,000.
Givit. As well as offering a service where exact items people need are listed and the public can give their own (or register items they wish to pass on), Givit is currently running campaigns specifically supporting NSW and Queensland bushfire victims.
Make It Rain: Find The Firies. Fancy a training session with Chris Hemsworth, or a personal styling session with Isabella Pennefather from Spell? How about a tennis lesson with Pat Rafter? Many celebs, artists and musos are offering their time in an auction to fund the NSW RFS Northern Rivers and Far North Coast Brigades.
Celeste Barber. As of Friday morning, this incredible fundraiser is almost at $50 million! Chip in your two cents (or more) to help support the NSW Rural Fire Service.
Australia Zoo. The Irwins – and their Wildlife Warriors animal hospital – have treated over 90,000 animals who have been hurt in the bushfires (like the ridiculously cute bats pictured above), and have been sending medical supplies to rescuers and carers on the frontlines.
Red Cross. One of the original support networks, who have been working tirelessly to provide much-needed emergency assistance, help at relief centres, food and water, grants and psychological first aid.
One Day Closer To Rain. A Facebook group (of 220,000 members) that was created to allow those in rural Australia to sell their homemade crafts, providing an opportunity to support those in drought-stricken communities.
WIRES Wildlife Rescue. WIRES have been rescuing and caring for wildlife for over 30 years and is the largest wildlife rescue organisation in Australia. They are currently experiencing an unprecendented demand and urgently need donations to help support their animal rescues.
Roadtrip For Good. A social initiative designed to help businesses affected by the bushfires get back on their feet. Businesses can register themselves on the interactive map to show that they are ‘open for business’ and ready for visitors. This will provide financial support in these communities that need it most. Plan your own #roadtripforgood to these beautiful towns.
Just remember that this crisis is far from over, and people, communities and organisations will be needing our help for many months to come. If you can’t provide any assistance right now, hold off for a few weeks, or even a few months. Every little bit counts!
Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
Mother Teresa.
