St. John Ambulance is collecting donations to support volunteer firefighters battling bushfires raging in Australia.
The B.C. and Yukon branch of the non-profit group is hoping to raise $10,000 to go directly to the County Fire Authority & Brigades Donations Fund in Victoria, Australia, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.
"Donations will help support the over 1,000 volunteer firefighters that have been deployed, including equipping them with the tools, vehicles and safety equipment they need to continue fighting against the bushfires," the press release said. "The catastrophic bushfires have been spreading across Australia for months and show no signs of slowing down. More than a billion animals have been killed, millions of acres have burned and around 2,000 homes have been destroyed."
Donations can be made online at www.supportsja.ca/australia.
"Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the tragedy of the Australian bushfires," St. John Ambulance of B.C. and Yukon CEO Karen Macpheron said in the release. "We're inspired by the passion and bravery of all the volunteer firefighters that are helping aid their communities and we hope everyone will join us in showing support for them and the victims of these fires."
