I’m sure by now you have heard about the devastating bushfires burning through Australia. This brutal reality has taken the lives of 27 people, destroyed over 2,500 houses, burnt through over 25 million acres of land, and wiped out an estimated 1 billion animals. While thoughts and prayers are appreciated, actions are needed.
So, how can you help Australia and it’s beautiful inhabitants during this traumatic time? I have put together a list of ways you can use your time, money, skills, and lifestyle to support those affected by the bushfires. Let’s dive right in!
1. TIME
First and foremost, take the time to educate yourself about the situation in Australia. Read about how it started, how it is spreading, why it is spreading, who is involved, who is affected, etc. Share this information with those around you and open up a conversation about it. Taking the time to understand the situation at hand will help us all in the long run as we begin to understand the true effects of our actions (or lack there of) and make changes.
Also, take some time to plan and prepare a disaster kit, in case of emergencies such as this one.
2. MONEY
If you have any money to spare, there are many volunteers and organizations that could greatly use your help. Here is a list of just some of the ways you can utilize monetary donations to support those who need it the most:
Firefighters/volunteers:
NSW Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS):
QLD Fire and Rescue:
SA Country Fire Service:
https://cfsfoundation.org.au/donate
VIC Country Fire Authority:
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa
Tasmania Fire Service:
http://www.fire.tas.gov.au/Show?pageId=colContactUs
Wildlife Rehabilitation/Rescue/Conservation:
WIRES:
Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors (Irwin Family Efforts):
https://azwh.blackbaud-sites.com
Water Stations for Wildlife:
Adelaide & Hills Koala Rescue:
Disaster Relief Organizations:
Red Cross:
https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/drr
Salvation Army (requesting cash donations):
3. SKILLS/CRAFTING
Don’t have any money to spare but love to sew, knit, or crochet? Join the Animal Rescue Craft Guild. This rad community is sewing pouches, nests, wraps, and blankets to help rehabilitate animals that are sick, injured, and/or orphaned due to the fires. Patterns and guidelines are given via facebook. If you do not live in Australia and want to support and/or be apart of the ARCG, you can either donate to cover the costs of shipping, fuel, and craft supplies, or you can sew pouches and blankets and have them taken to Australia by a traveller leaving your country. If you choose to send your homemade gifts, there are only a few specific sites that are accepting them:
NSW
ARFCG
1/382-384 Mowbray Rd
Lane Cove NSW 2066
HD Projects
16/8 Jubilee Ave
Warriewood NSW 2102
ACT
Allison Cairns, Parcel locker 10012 15247
54 Vicars St
Mitchell ACT 2911
To learn more go to:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2492576811067115&set=gm.2824109010974976&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/groups/arfsncrafts/
4. LIFESTYLE
A final way to support Australia is by not contributing to the decline of our planet. Be conscious of your contribution to climate change through the food you eat, the plastic you consume, the banks/organizations you support, the clothes you purchase/wear, the transportation you choose, and the way you live. It makes a difference.
Thank you for taking the time to read through this. I highly encourage you to consider supporting these relief efforts in any way you can, and continue to be aware of the effects we have on our beautiful Mother Earth. Please share this with your loved ones, as any and all help is greatly needed and appreciated. Our beautiful home is on fire and we must act now!
