LENDING A HAND TO AUSTRALIA

WORDS BY NICOLE WARNE

Unseasonably high temperatures, drought, and some suspect arson, have scorched Australian lands the size of Manhattan. And while cooler temps and rain are bringing slight relief to some, over 135 fires are still burning over NSW. So many of you have asked how you can help. Cash donations are still the most effective way to help the people and animals in need. Thank you to everyone who has already donated or shared. We have one world, and it feels incredible to have it support Australia in this horrific time of need. Some bushfires are uncontrollable. There is no rain or relief in sight. Towns are being evacuated by navy ships to reach safer land. There is so much suffering, but hope remains that Australia will recover. If you wish to donate, every cent helps.

#australianhbushfires #fightfirewithafiver #climatechangeisreal

@NSWRFS Donations will help our VOLUNTEER firefighters battling on the frontline, who have been tirelessly fighting these fires for months, putting their lives on the line to save our people, homes, animals and communities. Many firefighters have died protecting us, including 28 year-old expecting father Samuel McPaul. We thank you Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton, Andrew O'dwyer.

Donate here.

@CFAVIC This is Victoria’s fire & emergency service. Donations to the Disaster Relief Fund will help support communities in Victoria affected by the bushfires.

Donate here.

@REDCROSSAU Donations will help with disaster relief and emergency assistance for communities in danger. Red Cross is currently supporting thousands of people in 35 evacuation centers and recovery hubs around Australia affected by the fires. They’ve been providing food, water, hygiene products, psychological support and satellite phones to communities cut off in areas.

Donate here.

@SALVOSAU Donations will help families and communities affected by the fires by providing emergency care and providing food aid, as well as long-term disaster relief.

Donate here.

@FOODBANKAUS Donations will help provide food to those affected by the fires and in need. Every $1 you donate provides 2 meals to an Australian going hungry. You can donate food, but cash donations are preferable.

Donate here.

@WIRESWILDLIFERESCUE Donations will help provide emergency rescue and care for wildlife victims from the bushfires. If you find injured wildlife in need of help, please contact your local wildlife rescue service or WIRES: 1300 094 737

Donate here.

@WWF_AUSTRALIA Donations will help restoration and conservation efforts, specifically for koalas. It will help WWF plant the first 10,000 trees urgently needed to restore our koalas natural habitat. According to WWF Australia, 95% of koalas are gone.

Donate here.

@PORTMACQUARIEKOALAHOSPITAL Donations will help with preservation efforts and protecting these endangered species.You can adopt a koala or help plant trees. Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is the world’s first rehabilitation facility dedicated solely to the care and preservation of wild koalas.

Donate here.

Image by Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images