Help Australian bushfire survivors, firefighters, and wildlife

The devastating wildfires rapidly spreading through Australia have killed at least 25 people and half a million animals. Fires have burned more than 12 million acres of land and destroyed almost 2,000 homes. These numbers will increase.

Many are asking how we can help Australia during the rapidly spreading bushfire disaster. In the midst of a disaster, financial assistance is always what is most in demand. Here are some organizations that are helping people, firefighters, and wildlife now.

The People

• Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery is raising money to fund recovery programs and emergency assistance in affected communities. Donations also go toward disaster preparation, protection and volunteer training. You can donate here.

• The Salvation Army is also delivering support to communities affected by the fires, with emergency service teams responding to loss of life and property. Make a donation here.

• The St. Vincent de Paul Society helps people who need emergency housing, among many other services, and has launched Vinnies Bushfire Appeal to help families who have been displaced by these fires. You can donate here.
• Foodbank is a hunger relief charity in Australia. For every $1 donate, they can provide $6 worth of supplies to communities affected by the fires. You can donate here.
  
• Save the Children is collecting donations to support affected kids by building “child friendly spaces,” where kids can play together and process these changes in a supportive environment. The idea is to let parents focus on recovery and rebuilding without having to worry about their kids dealing with the additional trauma of loss of community. Donate to Save The Children here.
  

The Firefighters

• Firefighters are risking their lives to try and put out these flames — many are unpaid volunteers who greatly benefit from our support. Consider a donation to the Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Victoria and the NSW Rural Fire Service in New South Wales. 
• You might also want to hop over on Twitter and search the hashtag, #AuthorsForFireys, where authors are auctioning off signed books, writing services, and in some cases, creative input into future projects. The highest bidders must send the agreed upon fee directly to the CFA and show proof of donation.

The Wildlife

• WIRES is an organization that is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife rescue in Australia. So many animals have already perished in the fires, but there are survivors who need our help. This organization states on its site that “with the fires destroying unprecedented amounts of habitat, food shortages have increased and lack of suitable habitat will be a significant long-term challenge for surviving wildlife.” Donate to Wires here.
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) notes on its site that just five percent of the koala population remains. This number will likely plummet once recovery of the bushfires is underway. The WWF is working to save Australian wildlife and restore land for future habitats. Donate here.
• RSPCA NSW is also working to help animals endangered by the fires, including pets and livestock. You can donate to their bushfire appeal here.
• Vets Beyond Borders is delivering life-saving medical care to animals affected by the Australia bushfires. You can donate here.