It’s no secret that the end of last year and the few weeks we have had of 2020 have been awful for bushfire activity across Australia. Our hearts are gladdened with the number of people stepping up and, in particular, our industry who have reached out in droves to assist.
We thought we’d compile a few of the different bushfire relief programs that have been established in case any of you would like to help but don’t know where to start. This is by no means a definitive list – just a few ideas to get you started.
Building Designs Association of Australia
Members nationwide will donate their time and put their talents to good use to help bushfire victims rebuild their lives. The BDAA has urged its membership to support the people and communities impacted by the bushfires by volunteering their skills.
Members have been urged to provide support in kind for services such as:
• Consultation and design services
• Preparation of documentation
• Community presentations on the steps required to rebuild
• Assistance in organising tradespeople
If you are a BDAA member and would like to assist, please contact Chris Knierim (CEO) on 1300 669 854 or ceo@bdaa.com.au
Tradies for Fire Affected Communities
TFFAC was born as a place for tradies of all disciplines around the country, to put their hand up and donate their time and skills to those affected by these devastating bushfires. The Facebook group is acting as a platform to link tradies with people who need them. In recognising there are many steps in the rebuilding process, TFFAC is committed to mobilising the group effectively, efficiently and safely. For now, the page is seeking to gather registrations and grow awareness of the page and the program. If you can assist please click here to jump over to the page and comment with your skills, location and availability.
Local fundraising
Many local businesses are partnering up to auction goods and services with the proceeds going to charities supporting bushfire relief activities. A great example is the Bushfire Fundraiser online auction organised by a number of local Melbourne businesses and included prizes such as services and products from Seaview Cabinets, Infinity Coatings, and Asteria Marble and Granite as well as CNC Machining and Materials, plenty of boating and fishing paraphernalia, and so much more. The auction which has raised more than $200,000 so far for the Bushfire Disaster Appeal. If this sounds like your kind of thing, why not look to join a local group or set up one yourself?
We’d love to know if you have heard of other fundraising activities happening within our industry in aid of bushfire relief – whether local or national. So please let us know.
