2020 bushfire disaster: five simple ways to help

Posted on 4 January, 2020

Feeling helpless that you can’t do more for those affected by the devastating bushfires? Here are five simple ways you can help, right here in Canberra.

Join the #slabsforheroes movement

These local legends have been absolutely incredible in calling for, coordinating and distributing supplies for fire crews battling these ferocious blazes.

Headed by Roseanne Howes, the amazing team of volunteers has sent mountains of much-needed food, water, toiletries and more to crews in regional and rural areas—yesterday alone, more than 70 tonnes of supplies hit the road.

You can find out what to donate or how to volunteer by joining the Facebook Group or searching Facebook for #slabsforheroes.

Donate goods via charities

Often people think to help by donating second-hand clothing and goods. But, what many of us don’t realise is that these types of donations can create significant extra work for authorities and can distract recovery efforts and undermine community resilience.

Charities will let people know what types of goods are required.

Managing unsolicited donated goods takes time and focus away from the very important work that needs to be done with disaster affected people.

Charities like Givit lists exact items people need and the public can match that need or register the items they have, should someone need them. You can find Givit’s bushfire campaigns here.

Give money

Often what’s most needed is cold hard cash. Consider donating to one (or all) of these worthy appeals:

Australian Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief

Salvation Army Disaster Appeal

St Vincent de Paul Society Bushfire Appeal

Make an online donation to the NSW RFS Trust Fund or a participating brigade, look for a brigade in your state to make a donation, or donate to Celeste Barber’s Facebook fundraiser.

Support the thousands upon thousands of injured or displaced wildlife at wires.org.au or koalasincare.org.au.

Volunteer

You can volunteer to help at any of the community movements or organisations listed in this article at any time, but in the event of an emergency Volunteering ACT will coordinate volunteers and works with the ACT Government and charities to get volunteers to where they are needed.

If you’re interested in volunteering, you’re encouraged to register your details as an emergency volunteer—during the current bushfire emergency and into the future, this database of emergency volunteers is the first place Volunteering ACT will turn to for surge capacity, especially as emergencies transition from response to recovery.

Register your details at emergencyvolunteering.com.au/act

People volunteering directly at Evacuation or Assistance Centres will be redirected to Volunteering ACT.

Help those who don’t have a home at the moment

A Canberra Facebook group has been set up to connect those evacuating from bushfires to people in Canberra and the surrounding region offering emergency accommodation, support and donations.

The group allows a way for Canberrans to support those fleeing dire conditions with emergency accommodation—including for animals and pets—food, and other essential items and aid.

There are three ways Canberrans can provide support for those evacuating and in need:

• Accommodation for people and pets
• Donations such as, food, nappies, baby wipes, water and sanitary items, and
• Stopover support including showers, food, drink, washing and rest.

You can also donate water or your time—or spread the word about—a Bushfire BBQ for Fire Affected Evacuees being held at Queanbeyan Showground across the weekend.