10 ways to help Australian bush fire victims

It's with a heavy heart that we write our first blog of the year. Our thoughts go out to all who have lost family, friends, animals and homes, take care and stay safe everyone and we will stick together and help our communities rebuild.

If you’re feeling helpless and wondering how you can help, here are a few things you can do right now:

• Donate to local fire brigades in the state of New South Wales or to the Victorian Bushfire Relief appeal. 
• You can also donate to the families of firefighters who have passed away while on duty.
• Help support the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in New South Wales, which is assisting with evacuation and rescue efforts for animals affected by the fires.
• Donate to the emergency fund for Wires (NSW), a group that rescues wildlife and relies heavily on volunteers and donations. Or the wonderful Wildlife Victoria are appealing for donations to help Victorian animals.
• Donate to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, which has rescued more than 30 injured koalas and is at work building drinking stations for wildlife in impacted regions.
• Spend money in the bush. Help rural communities to deal with disaster and get back on their feet by spending some money in bushfire-affected areas. @spendwiththem is a new Instagram account launched by Turia Pitt and Grace McBride to feature business in fire-affected areas. You can also support @buyfromthebush.
• Support families affected by the fires by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal, Salvation Army’s disaster appeal or the bushfire appeal fund set up by the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
• Givit is a not-for-profit organisation that is running campaigns to help with both the NSW and QLD fires right now. You can give items or donate money
• Save The Children is helping children to feel safe and recover from living through a bushfire. Your donation will give more kids the support they need in our Child-Friendly Spaces, where they can process their experiences in a safe, supported environment.

• Small acts make a big impact. Find out what’s happening near you by searching social media for #bushfireappeal or #bushfirefundraiser, or check your local council’s website and social media channels other ways you can help. 

Thank you and stay safe,
The She Lion Team
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