Bushfires across our country are having a devastating affect on our wildlife, people and communities.
It is hard to not feel helpless or overwhelmed. Here are 5 simple but impactful ways to support those who need it most:
1 SUPPORT EFFECTED LOCAL BUSINESSES
Many local business owner’s livelihood is reliant on tourism. In the wake of bushfires, businesses will be impacted either directly due to fire damage or by a lack of visitors to the area. To help communities rebuild show your support by choosing to visit and shop local.
2 MAKE WILDLIFE POUCHES
Organisations such as the Animal Rescue Craft Guild is calling on the community to sew or knit items such as joey pouches, bat wraps and bird nests to be used by wildlife carers who are rehabilitating animals injured by the bushfires.
3 SOCIAL MEDIA
Show your support on social media by sharing stories or spreading messages of hope and love.
4 FOOD DONATIONS
Many of the bushfire affected communities are unable to access food and sanitary items. Foodbank Australia has collections points around the country for you to donate items to. Visit Foodbank for more details.
5 DONATIONS
If you are able to offer financial support, donations to your local Fire or Wildlife Service are greatly appreciated. Below is a list of some of the services protecting our communities and rehabilitating injured wildlife:
- NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS)
- VIC Country Fire Authority (CFA)
- WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
- SA Country Fire Service (CFS)
- Salvation Army
- Australian Red Cross
- WIRES Wildlife Rescue
- Wildlife Rescue Queensland
- Wildlife Victoria
- South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM)
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Animal Rescue Craft Guild
These are the actions we have taken to help support our community during this crisis, it is by no means an exhaustive list of all the ways you can help. If you have supported our community in other ways we would love you to share these with us.