BUSHFIRE RESOURCES
I’ve had a lot of people ask how they can help with the fires ravaging my state and country. I’m genuinely awed and incredibly humbled by the outpouring of support from such an incredible community, so I’ve put together a list of resources if you’d like to provide donations:
Local Efforts
If you’re interested in donating to help my state on a local level, there are some resources here for you to do so. We’re not the worst impacted currently, but we are hotter and drier than the other states experiencing these issues as a whole. When the fires hit us more seriously, the damage will likely be absolutely catastrophic.
St Vincent De Paul - Vinnies do amazing work, and have been vital to the relief effort today across the state and on Kangaroo Island. They deserve as much as you can give them;
The South Australian Country Fire Service - These guys are a group of volunteers who often lose their lives on the front lines fighting fires. My best friend is a CFS volunteer firefighter, and she’s my hero. She saves lives all the time - I’ve seen her pager go off and her run into danger at a drop of a hat. Please support them!
Adelaide Koala Rescue - Help the local little guys! We have a massive population of Koalas in SA and many of them are very badly injured right now. Cuddlee Creek burning down has really been terrible for them and we don’t know how they will recover.
Larger Charities
The Australian Red Cross - taking donations for NSW (Sydney) and Victoria (Melboure) evacuation centers. They are an amazing charity and are leading the disaster relief effort;
RSPCA Bushfire Appeal - They’re coordinating resources in NSW to protect wildlife (many of whom are very badly injured and burnt, and very scared) so will need protection
Other things you can do
Buy Australian wines. That sounds odd, but Adelaide particularly has a massive wine export. Look for wines from “Adelaide Hills”, “Barossa Valley” or “Mclaren Vale” on your next shopping trip - not only are we a world class exporter, but the wines are stunning;
Keep talking about the Australian Bushfires on social media, with your friends, etc. Keep the ball rolling. Don’t forget about us! This is only the start of the season and we know it will get worse. The more momentum, the more likely it is for our politicians to step in;
Support your Australian friends. Make sure they are safe. Donate to your fic writing pals, or your artist friends, or whoever you can. Many of us (and I mean millions of us) are at risk of losing our homes, our properties, and our lives. There is enough smoke in Australia right now to cover the UK, France and Spain. It’s damaging our properties, our services, and our livelihoods. Many people who are already struggling are going to need you now more than ever;
Be kind. Be patient. Keep us in your thoughts. Check in on us. Be prepared we may lose signal or go dark at any point - don’t panic. Things are getting a bit dodgy and we’ll probably be okay, but things are starting to come to a standstill as the country enters states of emergency.
We love you. We will try to stay safe for you. <3
