Pink reader Christine sent in a bunch of really adorable yet very sad photos from Australia that show a few koala bears suffering from the intense heat generated by the deadly brushfires that have ravaged the country (and destroyed their natural habitats) in the past few days. The photos are just too heartbreaking not to share … which I figured could be a great way to let people know that they can donate money to the Australian Red Cross to help those in need who have been affected by these deadly brushfires:
The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Red Cross and the Federal Government. An independent panel made up of community leaders will oversee the appeal Fund’s operation. Donations are continuing to flow in via the website and phone, and there has also been an overwhelmingly generous response from corporate Australia. Donations can be made using our secure online donations form.
Aussies of ALL kinds need our help right now, I think it would be amazing if those of us who can afford to help stepped up to offer whatever aid we can. I have already sent in my donation to the Aussie Red Cross. I know that our friends down under would really appreciate any help we can provide.
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thank you so much for mentioning this, as an australian it really means a lot
about 200 people have died in this horrific disaster. although a koala really is the least of thousands of peoples worries, it does mean a lot that you care.
thanks for donating. the australian red cross needs every bit they can.
@ Emily-I don’t think that Trent ever said “donate to animals not people”. I’m glad he posted pics of animals, people should be reminded that this is more than “just some houses” there were homes and lives (both people and animals) lost. He gave a link to the Red Cross to donate money to everyone suffering.
On another note, my prayers go out to everyone, those who lost their homes and loved ones and I also pray that no more lives, human or animal, are lost.
omg those poor animals….and people of course. my heart is broken
thank you so much for posting this… so many people are dead and injured it is really sad. im from australia and it is really devastating us all here and everyone is doing whatever they can to help. thank you :)
also anyone who donates, thank you as well. you guys are great.
The fire was really close to my sister-in-law and a couple of cousins’ houses. Luckily theirs all survived, but so many didn’t.
And Koala are not bears.
Trent, thankyou for taking an interest in whats going on down here. I live in Melbourne, Victoria’s capital, and though I did not experience the horrors of the fires, not much of the state can claim to be so lucky. The donations being made, not only here, but by other countries, including America, have overwhelmed us.
and the koala is the same one that was being fed water by the cfa worker, to those that have commented about this.
Another aussie here – I just wanted to thank you for drawing attention to the bushfires in Victoria. It’s absolutely horrific that some of the fires were deliberately lit, and what the victims went through (and still are going through) is truly heartbreaking and very traumatic.. These were just regular, everyday Australians who didnt have a hope once those fires escalated out of control. Also, its believed over 1 million animals died in the fires, which is absolutely awful. It seems that most people know someone who was affected in one way or another, and it is just so terrible to hear the stories.
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Your donations (and you calling upon others to donate) is very touching. At the very least, this tragedy has shown how wonderful the human spirit is, and how lovely it is that people can unite to support each other and show their generosity. Thank you for your kindness :)
This made me burst into tears! What an empathetic heart you have, Trent.
<3 yet another of your Oz readers :)
I’m an Aussie too. The irony of all this is that while Victoria is on fire, my state of Queensland is in flood. It hasn’t stopped raining here for 2 weeks and my town is surrounded by water. Further north of my town, people are being evacuated because the flood waters have invaded their homes.Ugh, if only we could send this rain down south to our mates in Victoria. It’s all so tragic.
Thank you to all of you who have donated money. It will be much appreciated by those who desperately need it.
Oh, and thankyou Trent for posting this story. I mentioned this tragedy a few days ago and was lambasted by another reader who told me in no uncertain terms that this was purely a celebrity blog and no one particulary cared about what was going on down here. I’m so glad this person is in the minority.
Hey Trent, I’m an Auzzie as well and also a dedicated reader of your blog. Just like to say thanks to you and many other Americans for taking an interest and donating. So many people have lost so much that every little bit helps. Once again thanks, it means more then you could ever imagine.
Hi Trent, I am Australian, and read your blog everyday. Thank you so much for posting about the fires and thank you to all the people who have donated.
Another aussie that reads your blog daily and has also lost family in the Victorian bushfires…
Thankyou for raising awareness and all the well wishes and donations that have been made… its appreciated more than you could ever know and I personally and sincerly thankyou.
IM NOT AN AUSSIE BUT I LOVE KOALAS: IM DONATING
Well you got me. I had to donate. I feel so bad for everyone thats been affected, such a tragedy.
hey trent – i’m an aussie also. Thank you for posting this – everyone go easy on Emily though. Its been hard for us all. its just… horrible, what has happened. the weather conditions made the fire behave in such an abnormal way that even those who would have been sufficiently prepared for a ‘normal’ acting bushfire, perished because it was simply too, too strong
but seriously, letting people know they can help is great. thank you for highlighting this cause – apologies for the rambling email i sent you when this happened – i think i was probs in shock.. still am to an extent. watching/reading the news has become unbearable, but we can’t stop
ALSO – the arsonist allegedly responsible for lighting the ChurchHill fire, which killed, so far, 10 people has been CHARGED on three counts. lets hope he gets the maximum sentence.
hey trent – i’m an aussie, from melbourne. Thank you for posting this – everyone go easy on Emily though. Its been hard for us all. its just… horrible, what has happened. the weather conditions made the fire behave in such an abnormal way that even those who would have been sufficiently prepared for a ‘normal’ acting bushfire, perished because it was simply too, too strong
but seriously, letting people know they can help is great. thank you for highlighting this cause – apologies for the rambling email i sent you when this happened – i think i was probs in shock.. still am to an extent. watching/reading the news has become unbearable, but we can’t stop
ALSO – the arsonist allegedly responsible for lighting the ChurchHill fire, which killed, so far, 10 people has been CHARGED on three counts. lets hope he gets the maximum sentence.