**Message from Jim on the bushfire crisis**
Please see an extensive list below of various places you can donate and support.
State Fire Services
Donations can be made to the state-funded rural fire services. Some states allow pledges to individual brigades.
Victoria: CFA
https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/supporting-cfa#donate-cash
NSW: RFS
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/…/how-you-can-help
South Australia: CFS Foundation
https://cfsfoundation.org.au/about/how-to-help/
Queensland: RFBAQ
https://www.rfbaq.org/donate-to-rfbaq
Fallen firefighters' families
The NSW RFS has established official funds for the young families of Samuel McPaul, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O'Dwyer, who lost their lives battling fires this season.
https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/…/support-for-firefighter-famili…
Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
Donations are being accepted through the general disaster relief fund, which goes to helping those affected by bushfires, heat, floods, cyclones and other emergencies.
https://www.redcross.org.au/…/disaster-relief-and-recovery-…
Salvation Army
The Salvos are providing meals to evacuees and first-responders.
https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/…/make-a-d…/donate-online/…
St Vincent de Paul
Vinnies is helping with bills, clothing, bedding and food. The Queensland government chipped in $25,000 in September as part of a wider $100,000 donation.
https://donate.vinnies.org.au/…/vinnies-nsw-bushfire-appeal…
Food Bank Bushfire Appeal
Food Bank is the only Australian organisation to provide food relief in the wake of natural disasters. Donations will go towards providing essential supplies to support emergency workers and affected communities as they recover.
Financial donations can be made online here. To donate food or supplies contact supplychain@foodbank.org.au.
https://www.foodbank.org.au/natural-disaster-relief/…
Accommodation
Offers of emergency accommodation for people displaced by the East Gippsland bushfires are being managed by the local council. Those able to help should email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au, with details of location, bedrooms available, facilities and return contact details.
Elsewhere, writer and sports commentator Erin Riley says more than 5500 people have used Find A Bed to offer beds or homes to evacuees.
