How To Help
If you would like to lend a hand to the crisis, here are some verified funds and organisations you can donate to:
Australian Red Cross
The Red Cross’s Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund goes towards providing emergency assistance and recovery programs in communities affected by disasters, including bushfires. It is also used for helping communities prepare for disasters and the training, equipment, and logistics of volunteers.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides “immediate relief and support to firefighters, emergency workers, evacuees and communities by providing meals, bedding, care packs and cash grants.” Its Emergency Services teams are currently active across the country to offer assistance.
St. Vincent de Paul Society Australia
The St Vincent de Paul Society in Australia is a charity focused on combating social injustice. Their bushfire appeal hopes to assist evacuated families in covering their bills and expenses to rebuild their homes.
NSW Rural Fire Service
At the forefront of fighting the bushfires, the NSW Rural Fire Service is the world's largest volunteer fire service. Donations made to the service are for the benefit of volunteer brigades. The service has also set up specific funds to support the families of firefighters who have lost their lives while on duty during the fire season.
WIRES
The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc (WIRES) is a nonprofit wildlife rescue organisation. Its volunteers attended over 3,300 rescues in December alone, and the nonprofit is appealing for donations to support their rescues. The fund is also used to operate its Wildlife Rescue Office, subsidise food costs for wildlife in care as well as train and support volunteers.
Animals Australia
Australia's leading animal protection organisation is appealing for funds to support volunteer wildlife carers to travel to fire-devastated areas and provide them with the resources needed. The fund will also go towards the longer-term needs of affected wildlife.