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Australian Bushfire Relief – Together, Let’s Make a Difference!

So many of us are finding it hard to articulate the words and actions to help with the pain that so many people are and have been feeling over the holiday period as well as in the weeks prior. Nothing seems to be enough to convey our devastation for what is happening to our country right now and how helpless many of us feel towards everyone and everything affected by these shocking fires.

Our Commtract team has contributed individually and as a team but the overwhelming feeling of powerlessness is making us want to do more – hence the shout out.

The amount of money that these communities, businesses, individuals and animals need to recover feels somewhat unachievable, but we have come to realise that every dollar counts and a little will eventually equal A LOT. From helping the brave and courageous firies and volunteers, and of course the victims, as well as the helpless wildlife which has been caught up in the blazes since they began this season – everything makes a difference.

We know there is a good chance you have already, but if you haven’t, we would love you to we would love you to jump on board and contribute what you can to the people and animals who need it.

With the news that approximately half a billion animals have been killed, each of our team has individually adopted a Koala from the WWF, amongst other contributions.

Here are some more direct ways in which to help and registered charities supporting our firies, the bushfire victims, our wildlife and affected regions:

Red Cross Disaster Recovery & Relief: The Red Cross supports a variety of efforts such as supporting people at evacuation centres and providing emergency assistance like cash grants to people who have lost their homes.
Vinnies Bushire Appeal: helps provide food, clothing and money that bushfire victims may need to pay their bills.
Salvation Army Disaster Appeal: is providing crucial support at the evacuations zones as required, specifically providing food to first-line responders and evacuees, as well as any other support needed.
NSW Rural Fire Service: you can either donate straight to the NSW RFS or to your local Rural Fire Brigade to support volunteer firefighters.
Country Fire Authority VIC: like the NSW RFS, you can donate either to a specific brigade or provide a general donation.
South Australian Emergency Relief Funds: this link outlines a number of donation options to help the victims, firies and wildlife affected by the recent fires on Kangaroo Island and Adelaide Hills.
WIRES: NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) rescues and cares for animals and is seeking donations for volunteer carers and rescuers that are “inundated” with them amid the bushfires.
Wildlife Victoria: for those wanting to assist the recovery of native animals affected by the bushfires, donate to Wildlife Vic’s appeal. WIRES is NSW based only and has raised considerably more than their VIC counterparts.
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park: the fire ravaged island has seen a huge loss of wildlife and the wildlife park is now experiencing an influx of injured animals of which they need urgent assistance with treating and rehabilitating.
WWF Help Save Koala Fund: supporting the urgent support needed to care for thousands of injured wildlife and restore their homes. Adopt a Koala like we did via this WWF link.
Spend With Them: a campaign to promote businesses in the affected regions and their products, organised by Turia Pitt via Instagram. With so many different products and services available to suit so many needs, why not purchase from these businesses who will benefit from it most.

There are obviously many more ways and options to donate across the board, but with so many scam donation schemes being uncovered we felt more comfortable acknowledging these registered charities and ‘go fund me’ pages set up by the organisations directly.

In addition to the listed options, and when planning your next trip or quick getaway, why not consider visiting and staying at one of these communities or destinations which have been so affected in what is their typically busiest holiday time. They are all beautiful places and the businesses and communities that have suffered will be so thankful to receive your holiday dollars!

We appreciate you taking the time to read and hope that you can help out in any way, shape or form.

Best Wishes,
The Commtract Team