Australia is facing its largest bushfire crisis in the nation’s history.
Since September, bushfires have ravaged approximately 14.6 million acres of bushland, towns and national parks. According to reports, 21 people have been pronounced dead, more than half a billion animals have been killed, and more than 1450 homes destroyed with figures set to climb.
In the wake of the bushfires that continue to devastate the country, the Australian coffee industry has demonstrated its generosity.
Over the week, coffee roasters, green bean traders and cafés across the country are donating dollars from coffees sold, online sales, bags of roasted beans, retail purchases, even tip jars.
“It’s in times of tragedy that the best of humanity shines through, and it’s been amazing to see the generosity of our coffee community in the best way they know how,” says BeanScene Editor Sarah Baker.
“What’s occurring in our country at present is truly devastating. We have been touched by the number of businesses wanting to get in touch to see how they can best contribute to the cause and make a difference. As a communications specialist, BeanScene is happy to promote the efforts and services of large national initiatives contributing to the relief efforts. We encourage the industry to make their own contribution wherever possible to support the efforts of our emergency services, those displaced, and wildlife injured.”
To best support the bushfire relief efforts, below is a breakdown of how you can help out.
Bendigo Bank Bushfires Disaster Appeal (Endorsed by Vic Govt)
https://www.bendigobank.com.au/appeals/bushfire-appeals/
Kangaroo Island Mayor’s Relief Fund (Endorsed by SA Govt)
https://www.kangarooisland.sa.gov.au/notice-board/latest-news/ki-mayoral-relief-and-recovery-bushfire-fund
The State Emergency Relief Fund (SERF)
https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news/media-releases/news/new-bushfire-relief-fund-established,-people-urged-to-donate
Victoria: CFA
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cfa
NSW: NSW RFS
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/volunteer/support-your-local-brigade
South Australia: CFS
https://cfsfoundation.org.au/donate
Queensland: RFBAQ
https://rfbaq.org/donate-to-a-specific-brigade
Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/drr
Salvation Army
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/donate/make-a-donation/donate-online/?appeal=disasterappeal
St Vincent de Paul
https://donate.vinnies.org.au/appeals-nsw/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal-nsw
Mogo Zoo Fire Recovery
https://au.gofundme.com/f/mogo-zoo-fire-recovery
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park
https://kangarooislandwildlifepark.com