Australia is witnessing the worst fire season in its history. Deadly fires have been raging across southeast Australia for months. The most dangerous part of the year for wildfires has just begun. It is estimated that over 1 billion animals have been killed to date. Over 6 million hectares of land have been turned to ash. People are dying. More than 2,000 homes have been destroyed. Entire towns have been evacuated.
Fire-stricken communities are begging for help. What can we do to help Australia recover from the deadly bush fires?
Australia will slowly begin to recover from this catastrophe in the coming months. Fortunately, there are many ways to contribute to its recovery.
The Australian Red Cross
Local organizations such as the Australian Red Cross are leading the battle for recovery. The Australian Red Cross is dedicated to providing emergency assistance, psychosocial first aid, and practical support. It helps people evacuated by sea and air and helps families reconnect. Their Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund has helped send over 1,200 trained staff members and volunteers to disaster-affected communities forced to seek shelter in over 69 evacuation and recovery centers. Moreover, the Red Cross provides emergency grants for people who have tragically lost their homes.
They accept donations, but, if you cannot donate money, there are other ways to help. You can donate clothing and household goods. You can also organize garage sales or fundraising events to collect donations. In addition, you can become a volunteer, but you’d have to undergo training first.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
This organization, dedicated to helping people in need across the country, has over 60,000 members and volunteers. It is accepting donations to help displaced families cover their bills and rebuild. A donation of about $35 can provide food for an entire family, while roughly $200 can help provide clothes for a family that’s had to evacuate and leave their possessions behind.
New South Wales Rural Fire Service
This volunteer-based firefighting agency has firefighters and community workers in rural fire brigades risking their lives to save others and help Australia recover. Donations are funneled to emergency efforts as well as nonemergency community work. In addition to donating money, you can join the NSW Rural Fire Service and become a volunteer. There’s a role for almost everyone, regardless of their experience. You can help with firefighting, administration, equipment maintenance, and other duties.
Salvation Army Australia
The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping communities recover from the loss they have suffered. It encourages donations of money rather than goods because of the logistical issues of storing and distributing those goods across areas affected by fires. Financial donations are used for mental health support, housing, and other types of assistance.
Save the Children Australia
Save the Children helps children in need across Australia and overseas. They also save lives in emergency situations. They provide support and relief to children and their families during the period of recovery. The organization is requesting donations to fund their child-friendly evacuation centers in Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Bairnsdale in Victoria.
How can we help Australia recover its wildlife?
Australia has never experienced a disaster on such an enormous scale. The devastating fires have killed and injured millions of native species. Luckily, there are many organizations that promote animal welfare.
Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service
NSW WIRES is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of native Australian fauna. This organization has been taking care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for over three decades. It accepts donations to help the devastated animal populations. You can make a donation online, by phone, via Facebook, or PayPal.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital helps save koalas in the Port Macquarie area. The hospital has been taking care of dozens of rescued koalas from several fire grounds. So far, the hospital has raised over $4 million in donations. The organization is distributing water and setting up drinking water stations in fire-affected areas, mainly in New South Wales.
World Wildlife Fund
WWF Australia also cares for injured wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and other species. They are requesting money that will be used for medical treatment and habitat restoration. Lost forests can recover, if the conditions are right, after the fires have cleared. Their long-term goals include restoring forests and destroyed wildlife habitats, preventing deforestation, and securing Australia’s natural resources.
Koalas in Care
This nonprofit organization and registered charity relies on the public for donations, bequests, and support. Their mission is caring for and rehabilitating koalas that are admitted for treatment so that they can eventually go back to the wild. About 65 koalas are admitted every year, but the current situation is one they have never experienced before.
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, New South Wales
RSPCA NSW is another nonprofit charity from New South Wales that helps Australia recover its fauna. The organization promotes animal welfare and finds new homes for animals across the state. It accepts donations to fund its work at evacuation centers in New South Wales and other areas. The organization’s inspectors will determine how to help injured animals once the fire zones are cleared.
Mike Thompson works as a travel agent and part-time content writer for ksemoving.com.
