It is without a doubt, the most heartbreaking start to a year we’ve experienced as a nation in quite some time. Like every Australian, I am feeling the distress and the hopelessness of it all. The statistics on the scale of our environmental disaster are beyond staggering, and the fact that we are largely being fought for by volunteers, is incredible. Our governance is proving ineffective at bolstering support for those in need, or giving our nation any hope that we can rely on them.
So we have to do this ourselves, and rely on each other and our friends around the world, to help those in serious and heartbreaking strife. We are one world and we are all connected. We need you!
There are so many ways you can do that, so if you are feeling a little lost as to what to do, here are a few good places to start. One thing is enough to help enormously, more than that is amazing. Thank you.
DONATE MONEY. Go to any one of these incredible charities, and donate some cash. Even a dollar adds up, and it all goes somewhere constructive to helping ease the pain and suffering of those who are injured, sick or have lost homes, both human and animal alike. Try to donate to official organisations so you know your funds are going to those who you intend it to help.
Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund
WILDLIFE SUPPORT
CHARITIES
DONATE GOODS OR SERVICES to Food Bank or other charities collecting shelf stable food, toiletries and other useful items and distributing them to crisis centres and those in need.
GIVIT has a useful list of items needed and where they need to go, where items you may have access to can find a life, helping those who really need them.
DONATE A PLACE TO STAY. If you own a property adjacent to those who have lost homes and have the capacity to have people or livestock stay with you, or you have a vacant holiday house that can be loaned to a family or families indeed, head to Empty Houses (south coast NSW), or similar set ups, to let them know you can help. AirBNB have also set up their website to allow people to search for, or offer emergency housing in NSW and VIC.
SPEND SPEND SPEND! There are a HEAP of wonderful brands and services, online and around Australia, donating portions of sales to relief funds. Keep an eye out for your favourite stores and labels on social media and if you need something, buy it during their advertised support period.
EAT EAT EAT!! Many amazing chefs and restaurants are hosting charity events to raise money, or donating proceeds from dishes and drinks. Keep an eye out on my Instagram page highlights and posts, and I will post whatever comes my way, there. Props to chefs like Jacqui at Nomad in Sydney, Duncan from Africola and the crew from Porteño for starters, for being so quick to act in coordinating delicious fundraising dinners and money-cant-buy experiences, and for coordinating the Australian hospitality industry to band together and do what we can.
This list is by no means exhaustive or definitive, but every single one is doing something to help. International friends especially, thank you for your donations and support. It can be difficult to grasp the enormity of what’s going on from far away, but the images are real and the pain and suffering is palpable. Please help tangibly, prayers are lovely, but not enough to help those who are without homes, food or safety right now.
Aside from relief, consider who you bank with and how much of your hard-earned money is helping to finance fossil fuel industries. This was something I never considered until a wise friend brought up the subject.
Here are the top 7 Australian financial institutions investing in fossil fuel industries:
Information source: Market Forces
Market Forces provide a fantastic resource for learning a bit more about where you money is going and who some better alternatives to go with. There is a list of banks and their stance on fossil fuel investment, I would recommend cross referencing this information with financial institution comparison websites and a financial advisor to find the best rates and terms to suit you personally. To kick things off, I was saddened to discover that the banking institutions I was with are on this list… which is why I am now no longer banking with them.
It is up to use a consumers to vote with our money and show institutions how we feel about them.