The Torah commands us to take care of the Earth that we have been given. Let’s stand together and help others when they are in need by donating to help Australia, its people, and animals survive the catastrophic bush fires.
Direct to firefighting efforts
- NSW Rural Fire Service– supports the firefighting efforts in New South Wales. Comedian Nick Kroll and Aussie actor Joel Edgerton have started the hashtag #FightFireWithaFiver. They’re encouraging $5 donations to the NSW RFS.
- The Country Fire Authority – the state of Victoria’s rural firefighting service
- Country Fire Service in South Australia
- Rural Fire Brigades Association – supports firefighters in the state of Queensland
Relief and support efforts
- Australia’s Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund – supports evacuation centers and recovery programs for the affected communities
- GoFundMe for Relief Fund for First Nations Communities – offers “culturally sensitive, specific direct support to some of those communities with critical costs to cover expenses”
- Victorian Bushfire Appeal – directs money to communities in need, giving directly to those affected by the fires
- Victorian Relief Effort Foodbank – helps get relief for communities cut off from power and food.
- Givit – not-for-profit organization that cares for those in need by letting you donate goods it then passes on
- Vincent de Paul Society – helping people on the ground in rebuilding, providing food and clothing, and emotional support
- Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal – provides longer term support for communities affected by the fires once the embers settle
Wildlife
- RSPCA Bushfire Appeal – protects the pets, livestock, and wildlife affected by bushfires by helping evacuate animals from disaster zones and house them
- World Wildlife Fund – supports conservation activities, particularly related to koalas, and provides emergency care during bushfires
- Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund – funds emergency vet assistance and “scientific intervention”
- Port Macquarie Koala Hospital GoFundMe – searches for and protects the koalas
- GoFundMe for Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park – donations go towards vet costs, koala milk and extra enclosures
- Wires Wildlife Rescue Organization – works towards saving Australia’s native fauna
Housing
- Airbnb – established an emergency housing site for those displaced by the bushfires via its Open Homes initiative. You can book free accommodation in certain areas of New South Wales and Victoria.
- Find A Bed – allows people to offer up a bed or locate a bed in NSW, Victoria and South Australia. It currently has 900 registered volunteers.
Fundraising and auctions
- Actor and comedian Celeste Barber’s Facebook Fundraiser – proceeds go to the Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades donations fund
- GenerOZity – charity marathon event in Australia including some of the country’s biggest content creators. Livestream to raise funds starts January 16, fundraiser goal is $10,000.
Respiratory equipment
- Sign the Change.org Provide Adequate and Practical Respiratory Protection for Firefighters Immediately Petition – calls on the NSW Government to provide adequate respiratory equipment to firefighters to protect against harmful smoke
This list has been edited from a post on CNet
