How you can help in light of Australia’s bushfires

Our Melbourne team (and team worldwide) is heartbroken to see the ongoing devastation caused by the bushfires. As a company, we’ve made a number of financial and product-based donations to incredible organisations that we love and trust. But we know that you want to help too. We also know that in such an emotional situation, it can be difficult to know where to begin. Our team has been busy researching the best ways for you to join in the relief efforts.

From our research, it’s clear that donating money is the best thing to do if you have the means. It allows organisations on the ground to provide what’s most critical, and lets those affected by the fires decide what they need most. Still, if monetary donations aren’t possible for you, there are plenty of ways to help.

Here’s what we know to be super impactful right now.

Donating money

Here are some great organisations who could use your support.

• Vinnies

• Australian Red Cross

• Foodbank

• Victorian Bushfire Appeal

• Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund

• Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal

• South Australia Department of Human Services

• Wires

• Zoos Victoria

• Fire Relief Fund for First Nation Communities

Donating time or goods

If you’re not in a position to donate financially, there are still plenty of ways you can help.  

• Donate food and goods to those affected (be sure to check what’s most needed before donating) at Givit and Foodbank    

• Offer up safe accommodation to someone affected or displaced by fires through airbnb and Find A Bed

• Donate blood at Australian Red Cross

• Transport, house or help feed injured wildlife through Animal Rescue Collective

• Rebuild fences or structures in rural communities through Blaze Aid

• Knit or sew animal pouches for Wires

Supporting systemic change

Donations are vital, but they are only part of the solution. It is equally important to focus on systemic change that addresses the underlying cause of these devastating fires. 

• Write to your local MP and demand action on climate change. 

• Join one of the many demonstrations and protests happening across our major cities this week. 

• Consider where your superannuation, banking and energy dollars are going and demand investments into clean energy and away from fossil fuels.

• Volunteer for candidates that share your passion for environmental justice.

Many people have reached out to ask if they could buy a box of toilet paper to donate (which is incredibly humbling, by the way). We’ve been told that deliveries to these regions are super tough, so we’ve partnered directly with Foodbank to provide several thousand rolls to those in need. So leave the toilet paper donations to us!