With the continuing disappointment being voiced across the community of the red tape, time delays, bureaucracy and failures of the BIG charities to get much needed CASH to those who need it, especially those who are falling through the net, the community are now looking to GoFundMe fundraisers that are focused, immediately beneficial and helping where help is required, NOW.
Nicola Britton, GoFundMe Regional Manager told The Beagle
“The communal power of close-knit communities has shone through since some of the worst bushfires took hold at the end of 2019. We have witnessed unprecedented generosity as neighbours, colleagues, friends and family have turned to GoFundMe to help one another get back on their feet. They’re funding immediate relief for the most pressing needs, whether that be fencing, generators, food supplies and water.
“Local communities have responded to this tragedy by taking action into their own hands and turning to GoFundMe. Calls for help that started from some of the most remote areas of Australia have rapidly spread across borders. What has become clear is that generosity of the public, financially and of spirit, in helping affected communities rebuild their lives is what will help Australia recover long term.
“With half of donations being $20 or less, the collective power of smaller donations highlights the importance of giving what you can. This effort has seen almost $35 million now raised for individuals and charitable organisations.”
“With an unprecedented number of campaigns and donations for bushfire related funds, the GoFundMe Trust & Safety team continues to work around the clock to monitor and verify each campaign. They’re continuing to engage with campaign organisers and beneficiaries to ensure the funds reach the right place.”
CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO GO TO EACH FUNDRAISER FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DONATE
Batemans Bay — Since New Year's Eve, over 65 GoFundMe pages launched to support Batemans Bay locals, community and wildlife
$375k raised with over 4,350 donations to support Batemans Bay
Noteworthy GoFundMe pages:
Let's support the locals of Batemans Bay ($58k)
Forestry NSW staff who have lost their homes ($37k)
Rebuilding After the Devastation of the Fires — a firefighter in Batemans Bay lost Cobargo
home ($36k)
Gen &Dean Maguire lost family home in Batemans Bay ($17k)
COBARGO
Since New Year's Eve, over 115 GoFundMe pages launched to support the Cobargo community and wildlife following the fires
Over 8,500 donations raised $800,000 to support Cobargo
Noteworthy GoFundMe pages:
Help Cobargo Wildlife ($111k)
Cobargo Community Bushfire Recovery Fund ($99k)
Bikram Yoga Sapphire Coast Community Fire Appeal ($38k)
Bandicoot pottery studio ($34k)
Help Zoey and Michael from Cobargo ($31k)
NAROOMA
Noteworthy GoFundMe pages:
Narooma Chamber of Commerce Recovery Fund ($5k)
Let’s help Taylor & Sharni Matthews rebuild ($3k)
Please help to get my horses to safety ($1K)
MOGO
Noteworthy GoFundMe pages
Get Behind Mogo Aboriginal community & rangers ($33.7K)
Mogo Zoo Fire Recovery ($127.3K)
Raising money to aid the Mogo Zoo Foundation Fire Recovery to provide care for injured, sick and displaced wildlife.
Through the overwhelming commitment of staff all 200 Zoo animals were saved. The Zoo staff and vet will assist injured wildlife and will play a vital role in getting Mogo and the surrounding towns on their feet in the coming weeks and months.
Latest GoFundMe overall stats
Since November 2019 when the first of the season’s bushfires hit, over AU$38 million has been raised to support those impacted:
Over half a million donations made from around the world
More than 7,500 GoFundMe pages have been launched for bushfire relief
Since New Year’s Eve alone, AU$31 million has been donated with over 5,700 GoFundMe pages created
