Here's how you can help Australia's bushfire victims

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Here's how you can help Australia's bushfire victims

By Sumeyya Ilanbey and Deanna Ruseska
Updated

As fires tear through Australian communities, destroying lives, homes and animals, many are wondering what they can do to help victims and support firefighters.

Donors are now being urged to stop contributing clothing and food, after an influx of such donations, and instead send cash. "[Cash] is the best way that you can contribute to support those who are doing it tough," Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said Sunday.

There are many organisations, charities and people coordinating donations to victims. Here’s how you can help.

Red Cross

The Red Cross doesn't have a specific bushfire fundraiser, but it's raising money through its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund.

The charity is calling for cash donations and it has raised more than $8 million since New Year's Eve.

"We appreciate that everybody wants to help, but donating money is a more direct way to provide cash grants to people who have lost their homes," a spokesman said.

"When people have cash in their own pockets, they can spend it in their own communities."

Donate here.

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People left behind in Mallacoota farewell their loved ones aboard HMAS Choules on Friday.

People left behind in Mallacoota farewell their loved ones aboard HMAS Choules on Friday.Credit: Justin McManus

Firefighters

The NSW Rural Fire Service and Victoria's Country Fire Authority are running their own donations for those wanting to support the firefighters. They are accepting cash donations only.

Donate to the RFS here and the CFA here.

Victorian Bushfire Appeal

This appeal was launched by the Victorian government in coordination with the Bendigo Bank’s Community Enterprise Foundation and the Salvation Army.

The Community Enterprise Foundation has already raised $2 million from the public, to which the Victorian government pledged an additional $2 million at the weekend.

A firefighter battles a blaze near Batemans Bay.

A firefighter battles a blaze near Batemans Bay. Credit: Kate Geraghty

The government says 100 per cent of all donations will go to communities in need, "covering the cost of everything from a grocery shop to replacing school uniforms".

"The Appeal will also help address the most immediate priorities of communities, including the rescue and rehabilitation of local wildlife," the government says.

People are being asked to donate cash, as "monetary donations are quicker, more effective and logistically provide far more flexibility than donations of material items or pre-loved goods".

Donate here.

A kangaroo flees a bushfire in NSW.

A kangaroo flees a bushfire in NSW.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

St Vincent de Paul Society

During its bushfire appeal, Vinnies only accepts cash donations. The charity is currently running appeals for victims of bushfires and drought in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT.

Donate here.

Salvation Army

The Salvos are also after cash donations and say the logistics of transporting, storing and distributing items in disaster-affected communities is often not practical.

"Cash allows Salvation Army emergency services to meet the need as it emerges ... and stay in communities as they rebuild in long-term recovery," the Salvos' Steve Speziale says.

"Today at numerous locations we are feeding firefighters and evacuees, and answering the needs of communities devastated by bushfires and we do this with the support of so many Australians."

Donate here.

Foodbank

Cash donations are preferable, but the organisation is also accepting good-quality tinned food (with ring pull), UHT milk, and items that are easy to "grab and go" like muesli bars, cereals, biscuits and pantry staples.

Foodbank also accepts pet food and personal hygiene products.

Do not donate clothes, razors, medicine, alcohol, clothes or bedding. Drop off between 10am-5pm on the weekend, and between 9am-5pm during the week.

If you're in Queensland, Foodbank is accepting donations via their Morningside warehouse from 7am until 3pm Monday through Friday only.

Donate here.

Wildlife Victoria

The group has started a Victorian Bushfire Appeal where donations will be distributed to wildlife shelters and carers across the state affected by the fires.

Donate here.

World Wildlife Fund

WWF Australia is raising money to help restore homes for the koalas when the fires have cleared. More than 2000 koalas have perished in NSW alone.

Donate here.

A koala named Pete from Pappinbarra is treated at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital after fires in November.

A koala named Pete from Pappinbarra is treated at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital after fires in November.Credit: Getty Images

Port Macquarie Koala Hospital

Staff at Port Macquarie Koala Hospital are treating about 30 koalas, which they spent weeks rescuing following devastating bushfires on the NSW Mid-North Coast.

They are raising money to install animal drinking stations in burnt areas, and to set up a koala breeding program.

Donate here.

WIRES

The New South Wales agency is accepting donations to its emergency fund to help rescue wildlife, including flying koalas and flying foxes, affected by drought and bushfires.

Donate here.

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund

GERF was set up in 1978 to help Gippsland locals recover from natural disaster. The charity is calling for cash donations.

Donate here.

Gippsland Farmer Relief

Staff at PRD Ballarat have partnered with Gippsland Farmer Relief to transport food, water and toiletries to the Bairnsdale Relief Centre and families in need of help.

People stranded and waiting for help in Mallacoota.

People stranded and waiting for help in Mallacoota.Credit: Justin McManus

They are collecting non-perishable items and empty boxes. People can also donate their time by sorting out the items and creating hampers.

They are not accepting clothes, toys, furnitures, appliances, frozen goods and fresh foods.

Drop off at 51 Lydiard Street South, Ballarat, from 9am-5.30pm, or call Kiara Porra 0447 834 892 for after-hours drop-offs.

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