Ways You Can Help Australia

The past month, the news have been riddled with the fires happening in Australia, and its just beyond devastating to watch what is happening over there. It’s heartbreaking to witness all the devastation happening off in the distance, and we are expected to resume our daily lives.

Nearly 200 fires are still burning across the entire country of Australia, with smoke spreading across thousands of miles — affecting places as far as New Zealand, where ash has turned glaciers yellow.

It’s estimated that 8000 koalas (one third of the koala population in New South Wales) have been killed –– a figure that is feared to be even higher as the fires continue. I could go on and on about the damage that has already been done, but I rather highlight on ways you can help them right now, even if you on the other side of the world from them.

If you happen to live in Australia, you can donate items to the volunteers and evacuees through organizations like Givit.

The Australian Red Cross has volunteers at evacuation and recovery centers.

Salvation Army Australia is providing shelter and meals for both evacuees and volunteers.

The Victorian Government has partnered with Bendigo Bank and The Salvation Army to establish the Victorian Bushfire Appeal. 100% of donated funds will go directly to communities in need.

CFS Volunteer Firefighters

WIRES is an Australia wildlife rescue nonprofit.

 

New South Wales Rural Fire Service has set up two specific funds for the families of two firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

 

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are providing on the ground aid for animals.

Thankfully, conditions are beginning to ease as firefighters are gaining control over several dangerous fires. The awareness shared through social media has helped raise tens of millions of dollars, money which will help aid first responders and animal rescuers to do all they can to put an end to this nightmare. Let’s make 2020 the year that we stand up for the climate. It’s time to speak up for the voiceless and take action for what is right.

UPDATE:

Siella came home from school yesterday talking about the fires in Australia. We went into an depth conversation about it and I told her I just wrote a blog post about ways you can help and how Daddy and I donated money to a bunch of different organizations. But she kept asking how she can raise money. After many different ideas, we decided she was going to make custom bracelets and sell them for $5 with 100% of the proceeds going to Australia! We announced her idea last night on my stories and we woke up to about 30 orders! YOU GUYS! I’m just melting…her sweet idea and your generosity! Dm me for deets. I’m currently setting up her own PayPal account and have a feeling we are going to have a very busy weekend making these sweet bracelets!