The NSW Bushfire Crisis and How You Can Help

By Scott Lackenby | Dated October 22, 2013

It’s hard not to be moved by the devestation of the bushfires that are ravaging NSW at the moment. I cannot fathom the heartbreak of losing everything you own. But out of the sadness and tragedy we also get to hear stories of amazing community spirit. Australians really do rally around those in need and we give generously to our neighbours in need.

Like me, you have seen all over the news reports about the amazing work Vinnies, the Salvo’s and the Red Cross are doing to fundraise and support those affected. It made me think though, who is helping the animals? There will be hundreds of displaced pets and tens of thousands of homeless, orphaned and injured native animals. The thought of this breaks my heart. So, we did a little bit of research here at GVH, and we asked the resuce and wildlife organisations what we could do to help, and following is a list of things that we can do to help out the AMAZING work the RSPCS, Animal Welfare League and WIRES are doing to help out during this crisis.

1. RSPCA – the Katoomba shelter was on stand-by to be evacuated. They are after donations of tinned food and blankets. You can drop off donations to any PetBarn store, the closest store to us is at Chatswood on Eastern Valley Way. You can also make cash donations by heading to https://www.thankq.net.au/donate/V230/Donate1.aspx?ref=875676083828&pid=27

2. Animal Welfare League NSW – they have set up evacuation points for people who need short term emergency help with their pets. PetStock are accepting donations of food, toys, leads etc at their stores, the two closest to us are at Belrose near Bunnings, and Artarmon on Frederick St. They are also accepting cash donations.

3. WIRES – they are being inundated with injured and orphaned wildlife. GVH will be donating a bunch of medical supplies to help out the volunteers who are doing an amazing job of caring for and rehabilitating our amazing native animals, most of who are suffering from terrible burns. In addition to the medical supplies, they also need 1kg boxes of Budgie and/or Canary seed. We will be sending off our box of medical supplies on Friday, so if can spare a box of bird seed and can get it into us by Friday, we can send it all of together.

Alternatively, you can make cash donations by heading to wires.org.au

If you want to keep up to date with the great work that these guys are doing, be sure to head over and “like” their Facebook pages.
On behalf of everyone here at GVH, thank you for helping out those in need.