Record-breaking temperatures, combined with severe drought, have fueled bushfires across Australia, which have been blazing since September. 

Over the past two weeks, the fires have further intensified; so far, at least 24 people (including 3 volunteer firefighters) and an estimated half a billion animals have been killed, and over 63,000 sq km of land has been destroyed.

Here are some ways you can help: 

Direct donations to charities and organisations who are responding to the crisis:  

• Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief – the Australian Red Cross are supporting thousands of people and offering emergency assistance in evacuation centres and recovery hubs across Australia. The Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery also offer psychological first aid to reduce trauma, and emergency assistance such as cash grants for those who have lost their homes
• Salvation Army  – Salvation Army teams are providing meals to evacuees and frontline responders in various locations across Australia, with additional teams on standby 
• NSW Rural Fire Service – New South Wales is the worth-hit state, with over 1,300 houses having been destroyed to date. Donations made to NSW RFS or other local Rural Fire Brigades directly benefit volunteer firefighters, who are playing an integral role in combatting bushfires  
• NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) – WIRES have been rescuing and caring for native animals for over 30 years. Thousands of volunteers are dedicated to rescuing and caring for sick, injured and orphaned animals –in December 2019, they attended over 3,300 rescues 
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital – the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital have been working alongside National Park teams to rescue koalas from fire grounds. Once admitted, the koalas are rehydrated and treated for burns. Some of the funds raised will also be used to create a ‘Koala Ark’ to rehabilitate surviving koalas 
• Adelaide & Hills Koala Rescue – Adelaide and Hills Koala Rescue are the largest group of experienced & dedicated Volunteer Koala Carers and Rescuers in South Australia

Shop sensibly through fashion brands who have pledged to donate a portion of sales to help the charities and organisations who are on the frontline: 

• Frank Body – for the entire month of January, skincare brand Frank Body will donate 100% of all sales of their A-Beauty scrub to Wires, the Country Fire Authority and the NSW Rural Fire Service 
• Lee Matthews – Australian fashion brand, Lee Matthews, will be donating 50% of all sales online and in-store to a different charity every day this week (ends 12^th January)
• Barrineau – until 12^th January, all sales made by US-based hangbag company, Barrineau, will be donated to WIRES Wildlife Rescue
• MLM Label – 30% of all online sales made before 12^th January will be donated to Red Cross Australia and WIRES Wildlife Rescue

Buy from the Bush – new social initiative, Buy from the Bush was created in October to showcase small businesses based in drought-affected areas, which have been impacted by the fires. Buy from the Bush shines a spotlight on these businesses in order to help stabilise the economy and invest in the future of these communities.   

Dine to donate – several Australia-based restaurants and chefs are planning special dining events and menus, the profits of which will be donated to help the relief efforts:  

• Cook for the Bush – Nomad (Sunday 12^th January) – beginning at 10am, Cook for the Bush will see some of Sydney’s top chefs collaborate on a custom à la carte brunch menu that’s available until 3pm, as well as a range of takeaway baked goods.
• Icebergs Sundays Icebergs Dining Room and Bar (12^th January) – this iconic, Insta-famous hangout is hosting another of its popular Icebergs Sundays shindigs, with all bar proceeds being donated to Rural Aid Australia 
• Isabel Bondi – Isabel Bondi will donate all profits and tips made until 19^th January to WIRES Wildlife Rescue

Our thoughts are with Australia and all those who have suffered. We believe that every little helps, and urge you to take action today.