Australia Wildfire Relief

Since July 1st, 2019 large parts of Australia have been devastated by wildfires that have burned millions of acres of land across the country killing people, destroying homes and compromising the rich biodiversity of the continent. The record-breaking temperatures combined with months of drought make these fires dangerous and very hard to contain.

The severity of the widespread fires has raised concerns about the long-term health effects for those living in Australia who have been exposed to toxic air conditions for months. In addition, the damage and destruction to sensitive ecosystems can have serious repercussions on a global scale.

The recovery process will be long and difficult in communities throughout the region. The organizations below provide immediate and long-term relief to affected residents. This list will be updated as more information and resources are available.

• Australian Red Cross is disbursing emergency grants to aid in the recovery process and allow those whose homes were lost in the wildfires to purchase basic needs.
• NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. (WIRES) is assisting in wildlife rescue as well as long-term outcomes for native animals affected by the wildfires.
• NSW Rural Fire Service is support volunteer firefighters who are on the front lines fighting the wildfires.
• Firesticks is working to support the training of over 100 accredited Cultural fire practitioners across Australia to apply cultural fire regimes that care for and protect Country, life and property.
• Center for Disaster Philanthropy has established a Global Recovery Fund focused on international disasters, which will provide grants for strategic medium and long-term recovery efforts.
• Global Giving has established the Australian Wildfire Relief Fund to support immediate rescue and relief efforts for people and animals affected by the wildfires.
• International Fund for Animal Welfare has been working on the ground to focus on crisis management and hands-on support to wildlife care groups across impacted areas.
• Save the Children is setting up Child Friendly Spaces in bushfire-affected regions to help children cope by giving them a place to be kids again.

When supporting relief organizations, consider marking your gift as general operating support. By doing so, you enable the organization to both respond to current disasters and be prepared for those that may arise in the future. Visit CCF’s disaster giving page for more tips on how to maximize your impact when giving to disaster relief.

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