As the situation in Australia continues to evolve, the American Red Cross is standing by, ready to assist the Australian Red Cross as they support bushfire-affected communities. Gino Greco, CEO of the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming, comments on the bushfires, “Australian families are facing uncertainty and heartache. Their homes are being destroyed, livelihoods threatened and their families devastated by losing loved ones. We will assist the Australian Red Cross in any way we can if the time comes.”

Australia is being ravaged by the worst bushfires seen in decades. Extreme temperatures, dry conditions and winds have combined to cause or escalate hundreds of bushfires across five Australian states. The direct death toll is currently more than 23, hundreds of properties have been destroyed and almost half a billion animals are estimated to have been killed.

The Australian Red Cross is expanding its work helping these communities to recover and are increasing cash grants to people who have lost their homes. Volunteers are currently providing psychosocial and registration services in evacuation and relief centers across the country, as well as offering essentials such as food and water. Teams are assisting people, giving practical and emotional support, connecting them to vital services and helping them get in touch with their loved ones.

American donors who wish to give directly to the Australian Red Cross or want to learn more about the response should visit the Australian Red Cross website. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. Donors can now designate their donation to relief efforts for the Australia Bushfires by indicating this in the memo line of a check or in the mail-in donation form.