There is an unrivaled tragedy raging in Australia today. The 136 fires are burning so large that they are generating their own weather systems, have scorched millions of acres of
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There is an unrivaled tragedy raging in Australia today. The 136 fires are burning so large that they are generating their own weather systems, have scorched millions of acres of land, killed 19 people, and millions of animals. Even when one contributes prayer and financial resource, it does little to quell the feeling of helplessness and heartbreak. Australia offers immeasurable wonder to the world and it’s influence in surf culture is indelible.
As a tiny act of gratitude for their being and acknowledgement of their suffering I wanted to share this opening chapter of Bill Bryson’s “In A Sunburned Country”.
And if you’re inclined to contribute resources to help victims of the fire here are four good places to do so:
The Australian Red Cross is accepting donations to its Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, which has helped to send 1,285 staff members and volunteers to communities affected by the fires and to provide support to displaced people sheltering in more than 69 evacuation and recovery centers.The NSW Rural Fire ServiceFirefighters and community workers in rural fire brigades are in the thick of it. The fire service has a map that is regularly updated. Donations are directed to emergency efforts.The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital hospital has a GoFundMe appeal for its work with the National Parks and Wildlife Service searching for koalas in the Port Macquarie area. At least 31 koalas have been brought to the hospital from several fire grounds. More than $4 million in donations have been accrued so far. The money has enabled the organization to purchase a vehicle to distribute water and to set up drinking water stations in areas affected by the fires, especially in New South Wales. It has also enabled the organization to expand its breeding program.Airbnb is offering free temporary housing for the displaced in homes in New South Wales south of Sydney, and in Melbourne and its suburbs.
