Bushfire relief: How you can help Australians battling today's 'catastrophic' conditions.

There is this sick feeling amongst Australians right now–- those of us who aren’t directly affected by the bushfires.

You can feel it at the coffee shop while making small talk with the barista, you could feel it at celebrations of a New Year that felt a little bit wrong, you can feel it as soon as you log into Facebook or Instagram and see the outpouring of desperation. “How do we help?!” is the question we’re all asking.

To those doing it tough right now – fire might not be licking at all of our doorsteps – but Australians are rallying.

You’re not alone.

Thankfully, some compensation has been announced for volunteer firefighters. Post continues after video.

Here are some of the ways fellow Aussies are lending a hand, and some of the ways you can help as the NSW South Coast and Victorian Gippsland prepare for the horror conditions expected today.

In the tennis world, Nick Kyrious is leading the charge.

He started with a plea to Tennis Australia, “surely we can do a pre Open expo to raise funds?,” he asked.

C’mon @TennisAustralia surely we can do a pre @AustralianOpen exho to raise funds for those affected by the fires? ????????‍♂️????????‍♂️

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 1, 2020

But then he came up with an idea.

“I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating $200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer,” he tweeted.

Other players followed.

“I like this I will go $250 per ace, just because I don’t think I’ll be hitting as many aces as you mate,” wrote Alex De Minaur.

“I’m not at your level boys but I want to get involved. $100 for an ace over the Australian summer,” added John Millman.

The ATP Cup is also rising to the challenge.

Each ace served across the @ATPCup at all three venues will deliver $100 to the @RedCrossAU bushfire disaster relief and recovery efforts.

With more than 1500 aces expected to be served, the tournament contribution is expected to exceed $150,000.

— ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 2, 2020

Playing his first game against German player, Jan-Lennard Struff, he won the game 6-4 7-6(4), hitting 20 aces and raising $4000 for bushfire relief.

Speaking about his decision to donate to the bushfire crisis after the game, the 24-year-old broke down in tears.

“I don’t really care about the praise too much. We’ve got the ability and the platform to do something,” he said.

“My home town is Canberra and we’ve got the most toxic air in the world at the moment, that’s pretty sad. It’s tough. Sorry.”

Proud of @TennisAustralia @AustralianOpen commitment to helping those affected by the fires. I will be there Wednesday no question. Come out, show some support anyway you can, please.
????????❤️ ???????? ????#Rally4Relief

— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 3, 2020

Aussie cricketers are also following suit.

Channel 7 sports presenter, Melanie McLaughlin announced that Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson will donate $1000 to the bushfire appeal for every wicket taken.

Currently the Australian Cricket team are taking on New Zealand in Day Two of the Pink Test, which is done in partnership with the McGrath Foundation.

Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson to donate $1000 for every wicket taken to the bushfire appeal ❤️ #AUSvNZL @7Cricket

— Melanie McLaughlin (@Mel_Mclaughlin) January 3, 2020

Our country’s singers and celebrities have banded together to put on a two-day Make It Rain fundraising concert for firies in Byron Bay on January 8 and 9.

The line-up includes Wolfmother, Bernard Fanning, and T’N’T – and tickets have completely sold out.

There is also an auction underway if you missed out on the shows, with the website taking bids on everything from a training session with Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky to a signed surfboard from Stephanie Gilmore.

Tix, Auction, Donations via: https://t.co/xSvLqFqmJ0

— Bernard Fanning (@bernardfanning) December 16, 2019

Influencers are using their platforms for good, donating to causes themselves and encouraging their huge followings to do the same.

Media personalities like Bec Judd, models like Steph Claire Smith and newsreaders like Chris Bath are all posting and pleading on behalf of those in danger.

 

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As many of us head into the new year with homes intact and loved ones close by, there are a lot of people out there entering a new decade with absolutely nothing. An area greater than the size of Belgium has been burnt to the ground. 5 million + hectares have been burnt, 18 lives have been lost; at least 9 since Christmas Day, 1000 + homes have been lost across the country this season, the navy has just touched down in Malacoota as a ‘humanitarian crisis’ is developing in the region because there’s no fuel, no food and no power. More than 500 million animals have perished, farmers have been forced to execute their own burning cattle & to make matters worse, Saturday is expected to be worse than NYE as conditions are expected to be ‘catastrophic’. This first video is one of my best friends family members trying to save their home in Mallacoota. There is just such a feeling of helplessness and I sit here in tears writing this, thinking of all the devastation across our beautiful country. To the firefighters who wake up everyday and fight these fires- we applaud your bravery & we truly thank you, to their families- we thank you, we are thinking of you and we appreciate you, to those directly affected- our hearts and all our love and wishes are with you. If you are in a position to donate please visit @salvosau @redcrossau & state based fire brigades. My heart is so heavy. Praying for the safety of those affected and their homes. ????????

A post shared by Brooke Hogan (@brookehogan1) on Jan 1, 2020 at 7:39pm PST

Some are actively collecting their follower’s donations themselves, like NRL commentator Allana Ferguson.

She’s managed to raise $20,000 in 24 hours.

 

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Firstly thank you so much for your kindness and your generosity. We are overwhelmed with the amount of community spirit! For the moment we have been inundated with clothing donations. Please no more clothes and toys at this stage as we continue to work out our logistics. I will keep you all updated on our progress in storing and transporting items down to those who need them. Food is definitely still a priority, as are hygiene products and medical supplies. At this point the most beneficial thing for those that can help in this way is to donate money. We are in contact with other local community members and when the time is right in the near future, we are going to use the money on their suggestions. Please again see the link in my bio to donate. We have raised well over $20k in under 24hrs which is all going towards buying brand new essentials for the victims of the fires ???????? Thank you again! You’re all seriously amazing, we can not believe it ????✨

A post shared by Allana Ferguson (@allanaferg_) on Jan 2, 2020 at 1:31am PST

Comedian Celeste Barber, who also launched an online fundraiser for volunteer firefighters, raised more than $2 million in just 24 hours.

Almost 60,000 people from around the world have donated to the cause so far.

“This is out of control! You are all out of control. My love and appreciation for you all is out of control,” Barber wrote on Facebook.

 

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This is my mother in laws house. It’s terrifying. They are scared. They need your help. International donations can be made via the link in my bio.

A post shared by Celeste Barber (@celestebarber) on Jan 2, 2020 at 8:48pm PST

Businesses are doing their bit, where they can, giving their proceeds to bushfire survivors, and charities and the firefighters.

 

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Bloom World tickets available via link in our profile. 100% of profits going towards the bush fires and families in need ????????

A post shared by B L O O M (@bloomapp) on Jan 2, 2020 at 6:59pm PST

 

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ROUND 2!! We’re in a worse position now than ever! 100% of proceeds going towards the bushfires!! Let’s fucking do this Australia!!!! There is no planet b ???? : www.hoodedsmile.com

A post shared by Mitchell Orval (@mitchellorval) on Jan 1, 2020 at 9:32pm PST

 

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I’m sure you are all with me with feelings of absolute disbelief and helplessness as we watch on in horror as our country is burning leaving mass destruction to families, wildlife & our country. Sending all our love and support to all x

A post shared by T U R Q U O I S E L A N E (@turquoiselane) on Jan 2, 2020 at 6:16pm PST

And there are businesses that have been affected that you can directly support yourself, like wine maker Vinteloper in the Adelaide Hills.

Or you could support the whole region – there’s a GoFundMe for that too.

 

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The last time I saw my brother cry was in 1989 when he was in hospital for a leg operation. He was 9 years old. ⁣ The next time was today.⁣ He’s lost everything. His house, his business, his beautiful adored grapevines, his pride and joy. Years and years of toil on a business that he built from scratch and now it’s all gone. ⁣ @vinteloper was his life’s work and as anyone who runs a business knows, it’s hard enough. ⁣ If you’re looking for some way to help, please, #buyfromthebush and get some wine direct from his website. I’ll put the link in my bio. The cashflow is much needed if he’s ever going to be able to rebuild. And if he can’t, you might just have one of the last bottles of wine that he made.⁣ I’m heartbroken for you Dave. ???????? #SAfires #SABushfires #vinteloper #wine #cudleecreek #cudleecreekfire #smallbusiness #supportsmallbusiness #adelaidehillswine #wineaustralia @gtwinemag @wineaustralia @buyfromthebush #adelaidehills #adelaidehillswine #adelaide #southaustralia #southaustralianwine #satourism

A post shared by moniquebowley (@moniquebowley) on Dec 21, 2019 at 4:58pm PST

Hundreds of AirBnB hosts are offering stays for free through their Open Homes program in NSW and Victoria. If you’ve got a spare room you can as well, you’ll find their disaster relief page here. This is currently available until January 17.

Australians are rallying for the 480 million animals we’ve lost. The online fundraiser for the koala rescue hospital in Port Macquarie made history at the end of last year, for becoming Australia’s most successful GoFundMe ever.

Of course, there is more work to be done. Now it’s the Mogo Wildlife Park on the NSW South Coast that needs help.

They managed to save their 400 animals over the New Year, but with fire conditions returning tomorrow – they’re again in the firing line.

You can help them here.

 

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Thanks to everyone for your incredible messages of concern and support. A Go Fund Me Page has been set up which will go towards helping any injured wildlife that comes to us following the bushfires and other wildlife projects. We thank you all and Zookeeper Chad and our amazing team are doing anything they can to keep our animals safe. https://www.gofundme.com/f/mogo-zoo-fire-recovery Thank you for sharing our stories, keep sending your comments and messages as it’s a great source of support for us and our South Coast community.

A post shared by Mogo Wildlife Park (@mogowildlifepark) on Jan 1, 2020 at 7:17pm PST

Wild 2 Free Kangaroo Sanctuary in Mogo State Forest also needs help, after being devastated by fire. You’ll find them here.

You can help the families of those that we’ve already lost. There’s a GoFundMe underway for firefighters Andrew O’Dwyer and Geoffrey Keaton who died in December fighting blazes near Sydney.

Yesterday a photo of Geoff’s 19-month-old son Harvey broke all of our hearts, with donations up at $385,000 – well on their way to the $500,000 target.

 

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Harvey’s dad Geoffrey was one of the two firefighters killed in December while fighting fires south of Sydney. With his dummy in his mouth the 19-month-old wore NSW Rural Fire Service uniform just like his dad used too, and was awarded the Fire Commissioner’s Commendations for Bravery and Service on his behalf. Today was Geoffrey Keaton’s funeral, in a few days the 19-month old daughter of his mate Andrew will also farewell her dad. RIP heroes, we will never forget your sacrifice ❤️⁠ ⁠ Image via AAP⁠ #ausfires

A post shared by Mamamia (@mamamiaaus) on Jan 1, 2020 at 8:30pm PST

$47,000 has already been raised for the wife and unborn child of firefighter Samuel McPaul in a now closed GoFundMe.

Then there are the big ones, the organisations taking the majority of funds – the ones that need the most help and can spread the money the furthest.

Here is where to find them:

The Australian Red Cross.

The Salvation Army. 

State based fire brigades like the NSW RFS and the Victorian CFA. 

Givit.

Wires.

The Rescue Collective.

… And there’s more.

Mamamia Out Loud, our bi-weekly podcast, is coming to Melbourne for a live show, with 100 per cent of all ticket proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross disaster relief and recovery fund.

It’s a brand new show, full of laughs and news and opinions and a few special surprises, with Mia Freedman, Holly Wainwright and Jessie Stephens, on February the 11th. You can buy tickets right now at mamamia.com.au/events. See you there! 

Feature Image: CFA Vic/Brianna Travers.