As the bushfires across the East and South Coast of Australia continue to burn, our collective urge to help and take action is hitting fever pitch. The death toll between NSW, Victoria and South Australia has reached 30, over half a billion animals have been killed, 11.2 million hectares in has been scorched and over 1,500 homes and properties have been lost. In the wake of such immense devastation – for those not directly affected, it’s almost impossible to feel as though we are doing enough. While we at RUSSH are working towards our own initiatives this week, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of top-line and long-term initiatives supporting those affected by the bushfires in Australia.

NSW Rural Fire Service

Donating to The NSW RFS is a great way to ensure those tirelessly fighting the fires and volunteering time, energy and resources are looked after. While the NSW RFS is government run and funded, it relies upon volunteer workers to face the fire fronts.

Country Fire Service

Donating to the Country Fire Service in South Australia ensures that volunteer firefighters receive support and financial assistance to volunteer firefighters and their families who have suffered death, loss of property or injuries while in the line of service.

WIRES Wildlife Rescue

In December 2019, WIRES Wildlife Rescue received over 20,000 calls for wildlife rescue. By donating to WIRES, you are helping to rescue and care for native animals in distress who have been displaced and injured from the bushfires.

Wildlife Victoria

Wildlife Victorias bushfire appeal will be distributed to wildlife shelters and carers to help rebuild enclosures and equipment that they have lost in the fires in order to support those that are struggling to cope with the enormous number of animals that will need care in the next weeks and months.

Fire Relief Fund For First Nations Communities

First Nations man, Neil Morris is a community rights and empowerment advocate for his fellow First Nations peoples. Morris has developed this fundraiser for fire affected First Nations Communities across Eastern parts of  Australia  such as Gippsland and the South Coast of NSW. This includes those who have lost their homes and been forced to evacuate to other regions.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is providing round-the-clock support to firefighters and relief to communities affected by the fires by providing food and water to fire crews and evacuees, practical and emotional support at evacuation centres, and long-term disaster assistance for those recovering.

Red Cross AU

Donating to the Red Cross will mean that trained staff is able to be deployed to disaster affected communities around NSW and Victoria to assist in evacuation and recovery centres Ready to listen, comfort, and help arrange emergency accommodation or locate a missing loved one through their Register.Find.Reunite service. They will continue to provide one-to-one support as people take stock of their losses and work out what to do next.

Country Fire Authority

The Country Fire Authority is a volunteer and community based fire and emergency services organisation for the state of Victoria. Your donation will go towards supporting the efforts of Victorian firefighters and fire affected communities.

As we look towards the future where healing and recovery is a vital step for so many affected communities, we are also listing below some long-term initiatives helping rebuild lives and communities.

Buy From The Bush

Buy From The Bush showcases products to buy from regional communities suffering drought and the after effects of the bushfires.

Beauty Bags for Bushfire Victims

An initiative started by the official CHANEL Australia makeup artist, Victoria Baron, Beauty Bags for Bushfire Victims is Collecting skincare, beauty and wellness products from the beauty industry to create beauty and selfcare bags for victims and heroes of the bushfires.

Givit

Givit is a non-profit organisation working to connect those who can give with those who need assistance rebuilding their lives after the bushfire devastation.

KI Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund

Kangaroo Island has started a recovery fund for communities affected by the Kangaroo Island bushfires.

Thread Together

Thread Together is preparing to support the Salvation Army and Saint Vincent De Paul Society to provide new clothing to support disaster recovery and relief efforts.

Spend With Them

Spend With Them highlights towns and businesses affected by the bushfires to #spendwiththem and put money directly into their pockets.

Animal Rescue Craft Guild

Animal Rescue Craft Guild is Sewing, making, designing and recycling "everything" to make products that help animal rescue. Beds, crates, containers and support equipment to help rescuers.

Strong Brother Strong Sister

Strong Brother Strong Sister are organising a community collection for Indigenous people affected by the fires, providing gift cards, toiletries and baby essentials.

Farmer Joe’s Pantry

Farmer Joe’s Pantry is offering a helping hand for our farmers and victims of our recent fires to restock their pantry.

Blaze Aid

Blaze Aid is a volunteer-based organisation helping to lift the spirits of people who are experiencing devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.

Bhenji Ra - on the ground

Bhenji Ra is a Sydney based dancer and activist who is on the ground in Batemans Bay and Moruya, taking donations via her Paypal to distribute to those in her community as direct emergency relief for South Coast families affected by bushfires.

Bushfire Volunteers

The Association of Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades (WA) Inc (Bushfire Volunteers) is a not-for-profit registered Charity and the Government’s prescribed representative organisation for our 550+ Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades. Donating to Bushfire Volunteers will support volunteer firefighters in WA on the frontlines.

Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network

The Kangaroo Island Wildlife Network will help with the rehabilitation and care of fire affected wildlife.

This weekend (beginning Friday, January 10) RUSSH is donating all profits from RUSSH subscriptions, magazines and tees purchased via the RUSSH online store to the NSW Rural Fire Service.