As most of us are already aware - Australia is on FIRE, and not in a good way. The climate-induced bushfires have now burned more than 12 million hectares and counting. 28 people have died, and an overwhelming 1 billion animals have perished in the fires. We have multiple gals from Down Under working at Lost, and many others who have been lucky enough to visit this insanely beautiful country. Not to mention all of the friendly Australian customers who visit us at Lost in Amsterdam during their travels! Like the rest of the world, we have all been heartbroken watching this tragedy unfold. So, we decided to do our bit and start a Lost in Amsterdam staff fundraiser for the Australian Bushfires.
We managed to raise $1,033.23 AUD to donate to different support groups and organisations helping Australia, its people and its animals to recover. We choose RSPCA Australia to help wildlife recovery, Red Cross AU to assist communities in rebuilding, WWF Australia to adopt an injured koala, and One Tree Planted to plant 100 new trees in fire-ravaged forests and habitats. There are countless more amazingly deserving charities you can donate to; NSW Rural Fire Service, The Australia Wildfire Fund, Wires Wildlife Rescue, and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors to name a few. Links to these websites can be found at the bottom of this post.
If you are in a position to donate - PLEASE do so generously. Australia needs ALL OF US if it's going to get through this, and even the smallest donation makes a big difference! If you can't donate right now, don't worry - continue to educate yourself and others so that the support continues even when this isn't front page news anymore. Or - copy us and start your own fundraiser at your work, uni or in your friend group! And remember - anything raised in Euro's is almost doubled when converted to Australian $$, so your money goes even further to helping those in need!