Australia Fires Update – How Can I Help & Donate?
Record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought have fuelled a series of massive bushfires across Australia.
Rain has brought some respite to the thousands of firefighters and volunteers tackling the blazes, which have been burning since September. The fires intensified over the past week, with a number towns evacuated.
At least 24 people have lost their lives so far – including 3 volunteer firefighters and more than 6.3 million hectares (63,000 sq km or 15.6 million acres) of bush, forest and parks have been burned since 1st July, with flames reaching over 70 metres in height.
In the worst-hit state, New South Wales (NSW), fire has affected almost five million hectares, destroying more than 2,000 houses and forcing thousands of locals to evacuate their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Hot, dry weather combined with prolonged drought and violent winds have created perfect conditions for fire to spread rapidly.
About 130 fires were burning across the state on Monday, in the bush, mountain forests and national parks. Scientists estimate that the quality of the air we are breathing is as bad as smoking 2 packets of cigarettes a day.
Due to the fires, it is estimated that more than 500 million animals have been killed across Australia.
Like everyone else in Australia, we are terrified and saddened by the horrific events that have taken place over the last couple of months. We asked ourselves what can we do to give back to our beautiful country which is in need. Therefore 50% of all profits made during the month of January will be distributed equally between the RFS, The Salvation Army and WIRES.
If you would like to donate, below are the links for 3 establishments to help volunteer firefighters, wildlife and those affected. Any help goes a long way.
RFS (Rural Fire Service):
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/about-us/fundraising
WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service):
https://www.wires.org.au/donate/emergency-fund
SALVOS (The Salvation Army):
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal