How to Help Victims of Australia’s Fires (original) (raw)

Australia|How to Help Victims of Australia’s Fires

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/06/world/australia/help-australia-fires.html

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The deadly wildfires, fanned by wind and fueled by scorching heat, are raging across the southeast of the country.

Michael and Maree Fletcher lost their house in Conjola Park, New South Wales, to the fires that swept through Australia.Credit...Matthew Abbott for The New York Times

Jan. 6, 2020

Australians are reeling from the hundreds of devastating fires sweeping through parts of the country. Since October, the wildfires have scorched millions of acres of land and destroyed more than a thousand homes. At least 24 people have died. With people displaced and wildlife populations gutted, here are ways to help.

Organizations that are helping

Australian Red Cross

The Australian Red Cross is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, which has helped to send 1,285 staff members and volunteers to communities affected by the fires and to provide support to displaced people sheltering in more than 69 evacuation and recovery centers. The Red Cross also provides emergency grants to help people cover their immediate needs.

There are other ways to help if you cannot donate money. The Red Cross says clothing and household goods can be given to Red Cross-affiliated shops, or suggests holding garage sales or fund-raising events. Volunteering roles are also possible. After training, volunteers are deployed to fill emergency roles.

GIVIT

GIVIT is an Australian organization that matches donated goods with items that are specifically requested by victims of the fires. People have asked for things like car batteries, fence posts and gas pumps.

Salvation Army Australia

Like other organizations, the Salvation Army advises donors to send money instead of goods because of the logistical difficulties of storing and distributing goods in areas affected by disasters. Donations are funneled to various forms of assistance, including mental health support and housing.

“Financial donations also allow residents the opportunity to make their own choices and inject much-needed funds into local economies and businesses, helping communities recover sooner,” the organization says.

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