How to Help Victims of the Fires in Australia
Photo courtesy of South Australia South Australia County Fire Service.
In what's becoming a depressing — and tragic — state of affairs, the environment is again wreaking havoc on the Earth. This time in Australia, where bushfires continue to rage — during peak summer season — and show no sign of relenting for the next few months. The casualties are already staggering: half a billion plants and animals died, as have 24 people (so far). Countless have displaced. Homes, businesses, and lives have been ravaged.
On a personal note, I was especially saddened to learn how seriously Kangaroo Island in South Australia has been hit. I spent time there in 2018 and loved every second of my visit: the sea lions, the raptors, the koalas, the restaurants, the sheep farms, the beaches, the natural wonders. Southern Ocean Lodge, one of the most glorious hotels I've ever had the pleasure to call home for a few days, was forced to close, though the good news is that all the people are safe — and the owners promise me they will rebuild.
That rebuilding will take time. And money. So much money. You'll find a list of resources below.
And remember, since we're talking about travel in here, the absolute best thing we can do is to continue to go to Australia. Don't cancel any upcoming trips unless you are advised by your hotels and contacts in Australia to do so, and consider planning a new one.
How You Can Help with the Bushfires in South Australia - a list of resources from South Australia Tourism
South Australia County Fire Service
WIRES Wildlife Rescue Service - NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue, and Education Service
CSF Foundation (South Australia Fire Service)
New South Wales Local Fire Service