As the federal and state governments take action to tackle the Australian bushfire crisis, the nation’s charities are doing their bit to help.
The bushfires, while devastating, have showcased Australians’ generous spirit with millions of dollars being donated.
ProBono has provided an overview of what some of Australia’s charities are doing to help:
Australian Red Cross
The Red Cross has raised more than $8 million since New Year’s Eve through its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.
The donations have allowed the charity to deploy 1,285 trained staff and volunteers across disaster-affected communities.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army launched a $3 million disaster fundraising appeal back in November.
In Victoria, the charity is helping communities get food and water, helping deliver 800 boxes of food and 40,000 bottles of water to Bairnsdale, and 1.6 tonnes of water to Mallacoota.
They have also been deploying rotating international and interstate teams to reinforce local volunteers.
St Vincent De Paul
The Vinnies Bushfire Appeal has raised more than $2 million, with the charity focused on helping people on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the fires.
They are using donations to provide food and clothing to affected communities, while also helping people pay unexpected bills and move into crisis accommodation.
Foodbank
Foodbank has assisted in getting food and water to bushfire-hit communities.
In one week, Foodbank was able to send 120 pallets of food to Cobargo and Bega ,and packed 4,500 hampers for affected regions, after emptying out donations from 1,300 cars, trucks, horse floats and a wheelbarrow.
WIRES
A Facebook fundraiser for wildlife rescue organisation WIRES has raised more than $8 million.
The charity received over 20,000 calls in December alone, leading volunteers to attend more than 3,300 rescues.
FRRR
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is focused on supporting affected communities in the long term.
The charity does this through its Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund, offering grants supporting local lenders so they are able to help their communities in the 12 to 18 months after the crisis.
GIVIT
GIVIT helps connect those in need with people willing to give, using an online portal allowing people to donate items specifically requested by a registered charity supporting affected communities.
The charity is currently running two campaigns supporting bushfire victims in NSW and QLD.
Major charities are encouraging Australians to donate physical goods through GIVIT, to stop unneeded donations being sent to resource-strapped NFPs.
Save the Children
Save the Children is working to help alleviate the bushfire crisis is Australia, launching its own bushfire appeal.
Child Friend Spaces have been established allowing children to play and socialise in a safe and supported environment while families are linked to other services.
To view the full ProBono article please click here.