Australia is in flames, and people all over the world are lending a hand to aid the massive relief efforts. Here’s how you can help from Singapore...
We’ve all seen the blazing images and read the news by now – Australia is fighting one of its worst bushfire seasons, which has destroyed countless homes, scorched lands across the nation, taken lives and devastated wildlife populations and their habitats. As the world rallies around the country to help, Singapore can do its part to support the Australian bushfire victims too. Because every little bit counts.
Events for a good cause…
Relief Run – Australian Bushfire Crisis
Give your marathon a meaningful twist with this 5km and 21.1km run, which donates 100% of every participant’s $50 registration fee to the Australian Red Cross’ Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The virtual race (or stroll) encourages individuals from across the globe to sweat it out anytime and anywhere from 17 to 19 Jan, but if you’re keen on doing it with fellow runners here, head to Marina Barrage bright and early on Sunday. Proceeds will go to food and water distribution in Victoria, evacuation efforts and support for relief centres.
Relief Run – Australian Bush Fire Crisis, 19 Jan, 7am, Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
The Moon x The Kint Story Fundraiser
Bookstore The Moon is partnering with online retailer The Kint Story for this pop-up thrift shop, where you’ll be able to shop secondhand and vintage pieces. After you’ve filled your bags with pre-loved goods, half of the proceeds will go to the Australian Red Cross.
The Moon x The Kint Story Fundraiser, 19 Jan-2 Feb, various timings, The Moon, 37 Mosque Street, Singapore 059515
Heart of Darkness Fight Fire with Fire
The craft brewery is giving every dollar from the sale of its Sacred Fire Golden Ale to the Australian Red Cross to support those whose lives have been impacted by the fires in New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia. So if you’d like to drink for a good cause, head to Heart of Darkness for a pint or two to kickstart the long weekend.
Heart of Darkness Fight Fire with Fire, until 24 Jan, 11am-midnight, 55 Tras Street, Singapore 078994
Aussie Bushfire Fundraiser
Green Is The New Black is collaborating with Kilo Kitchen and riding on the support of Collectius to host this fundraiser dinner on Australia Day. Everything, from the food to the prizes, is donated; and all the money will be given to Wildlife Victoria and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal. The event includes a four-course vegetarian dinner ($155 per person) with three free drinks, plus drag entertainment and live music. Even if you can’t be there, you can buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes like a staycation, sunnies, cool kicks and more.
Aussie Bushfire Fundraiser, 25 Jan, 6pm-11pm, Kilo Kitchen, 97 Duxton Road, Singapore 089541
Smack My Beach Up: Australia Day 2020
Tanjong Beach Club’s celebration of Australia Day this year isn’t just about sand and surf. Beats and booze aside, the joint is also contributing 10% of its sales from the event to relief efforts.
Smack My Beach Up: Australia Day 2020, 26 Jan, 1pm-10pm, Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942
The Social Space’s coffee donation
The next time you need a caffeine fix, head to The Social Space for a pick-me-up, as the conscious cafe is donating $1 from every cup of coffee sold in January (across both its outlets) to the Australian Red Cross.
The Social Space, #01-14, 333 Kreta Ayer Road and #01-03 (Garden Tower), Marina One Residences
Australia Bushfire Fundraiser
Restaurants and bars like Potato Head, Neon Pigeon and The Old Man are joining forces to raise money for disaster relief efforts, volunteering produce, staff, alcohol and auction prizes for this event. The afternoon kicks off with a buffet brunch ($100/person) from 1pm to 4pm, with dishes provided by surrounding eateries. You can also bring your own reusable cup to refill with $10 drinks all day, plus signature cocktails by bartenders across the city from 4pm onwards. When 8pm rolls around, the silent auction will offer up rare spirits and experiences such as tattoo sessions, whisky workshops and cooking classes, so come ready to open your wallets.
Australia Bushfire Fundraiser, 12 Jan, 1pm-late, Neon Pigeon, 1 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089109
F45’s donation initiative
A fitness movement that originated from Down Under, F45 studios are joining the chorus of voices pledging aid to support the Australian bushfire victims. Participating locations like River Valley, Amoy Street, Siglap and Tiong Bahru will be placing donation boxes in their outlets on 11 Jan, with proceeds going to the Red Cross Disaster Relief. Plus, if you need an incentive to go beast mode on the rowing machines during your Hollywood session, the gym will contribute an additional $10 for every 500 metres covered.
F45’s donation initiative, 11 Jan, various timings and locations.
Where to donate…
Australian Red Cross
The Disaster Relief and Recovery fund currently supports thousands in evacuation centres and recovery shelters in Australia. Donations will go to efforts for psychological first aid, emergency assistance, longer-term recovery programs and more.
Australian Red Cross, donate online.
Singapore Red Cross
In response to the crisis, the Singapore arm has launched a public fundraising appeal and pledged $50,000 in support. All donations from the campaign will help humanitarian efforts by the Australian Red Cross.
Singapore Red Cross, donate online.
Salvation Army Australia
As the organisation’s Emergency Services teams are activated across the country, financial support is needed to provide meals to evacuees and help those affected by the disasters.
Salvation Army Australia, donate online.
Wildlife Victoria
To help the numerous wildlife shelters in Victoria affected by the bushfires, the donation appeal will support the rebuilding of enclosures and equipment lost in the flames, to allow animal carers to continue their lifesaving work.
Wildlife Victoria, donate online.
Firefighting efforts
Firefighters all across the country, many of them volunteers, are bravely battling the flames. Support the local fire services by contributing to organisations like NSW Rural Fire Service, Queensland Rural Fire Brigades and CFS Foundation.
Wires Wildlife Rescue
The non-profit rescue and rehabilitation group, whose volunteers have assisted with thousands of cases involving flying foxes and koalas, seeks your help to support the survival of native animals dealing with habitat loss and food and water shortages.
Wires Wildlife Rescue, donate online.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital
A staggering number of koalas are estimated to have lost their lives in the fires, and the ones who survive are suffering from dehydration. This NSW hospital takes care of injured koalas and sets up drinking stations for the animals in affected areas. You can also adopt a koala for a fee, which will go towards the creature’s rehabilitation.
Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, donate online.