How you can help SA fire victims

Posted 8 January, 2020 Jeremy Rochow

Large parts of the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island have been devastated by fire in recent weeks, with people losing their lives, properties, livestock and homes.   You may feel helpless seeing images of sick wildlife and burnt shells of homes flash across your television screen, but there are ways you can help. Whether you want to donate money to charity or offer some time to help at a relief centre, there’s no donation too small. Here are a few ways you can directly help SA communities impacted by the fires.  

Donate

…to communities

Whether you donate $5 or $5000, every cent counts. There are various charities and relief funds that need donations to continue providing meals, clothing and essential services to people who’ve lost their home or been evacuated.   To help those impacted by the bushfires on Kangaroo Island, you can donate to the KI Mayoral Relief and Recovery Bushfire Fund. The State Emergency Fund has been activated for the Cudlee Creek fire, with donations being accepted via electronic funds transfer, credit card, cash and cheque.   If you want to donate directly to our volunteer firies currently battling the blazes, you can give to the CFS Foundation.  

…to wildlife

It’s not just property and people impacted by the bushfires. Wildlife has also been hit hard by the tragic events over the past month. You can donate to the South Australian Veterinary Emergency Management (SAVEM) which is helping with wildlife management at the Cudlee Creek fire grounds.   Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park is also taking donations to help the large number of injured koalas and other native species impacted by this event. Note: Whoever you decide to donate to, check the charities are legitimate and beware of scammers taking advantage of the disaster.  

Volunteer your time

If you’re short on cash and can’t donate to a charity or relief fund, giving your time can be just as precious. Blaze Aid helps repair fences across Australia and is looking for volunteers for work beginning in Lobethal and on Kangaroo Island in the coming days.