As we enter the first weeks of 2020, the ongoing Australian bushfire crisis has so far claimed at least 24 people, millions of wildlife and more than 6.3 million hectares of bush and forest.
In NSW alone, more than 1300 houses have been destroyed by fire, according to BBC.
Many Australians are looking for ways to help and while direct donations are the most effective way to assist, a number of venues and hotels are also running their own fundraisers to support those affected by the fires and the volunteers on the ground.
If you’re looking for advice on where to donate money, the ABC has compiled this list of charities and services who are accepting donations.
For those looking for other fundraising initiatives to support, these are some of the latest events and venues to check out:
Applejack Hospitality venues
Applejack Hospitality is encouraging the Sydney community to visit its venues this month to raise funds for bushfire appeals.
The Butler is donating $5 from every Watermelon Spritz sold this January to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery, while Endeavour Tap Rooms are donating $5 from every tasting paddle sold throughout the month. SoCal is hosting an All You Can Eat Taco Night on 21 January with 50 per cent of all sales on the night going to charity.
Applejack chefs, bar managers, front and back of house teams will come together on 1 February for a Bushfire Benefit, with all proceeds going to various bushfire appeals. Details here.
Solotel venues
Matt Moran and the Solomon family restaurants are supporting the bushfire appeal by introducing a Bushfire Relief Dish or Drink on each of their menus. From 10 January through to 9 February, 100 per cent of proceeds from a single highlighted menu item at Aria, Bea at Barangaroo House, Chiswick Woollahra, Chiswick at the Gallery, Chophouse Sydney, North Bondi Fish and Brisbane’s Riverbar & Kitchen will go directly towards the Rural Fire Service.
Solotel’s pubs and bars are also hosting a Bushfire Relief Hour on 17 January, with all proceeds from food and beverages sold between 5pm and 7pm on the day being donated directly towards the bushfire appeal. Participating venues will span 21 bars and pubs across Sydney. View the full list of venues here.
Q Station Manly
Q Station Manly is donating a portion of accommodation bookings to help support the NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS).
Book and stay within the month of January 2020 and Q Station will donate $20 for all accomodation directly booked through the hotel to the RFS.
Call 02 9466 1500 or email h8773@accor.com and use the code: FIRE.
Howard Smith Wharves
In Brisbane, Howard Smith Wharves has launched a number of initiatives across its venues.
Felons Brewing Co is donating 100 per cent of profits from sales of their Natural Ale during January and February, while Mr Percival’s is donating $1 from every drink sold in January.
Howard Smith Wharves is also organising a special event to celebrate the emergency service heroes, with details to come.
The Everleigh
Melbourne hospitality group Made in the Shade will host a fundraising event at its flagship bar, The Everleigh, on Monday 13 January from 7PM.
The group’s owner/operators, Michael and Zara Madrusan, have rallied 16 Melbourne bars and three of the country’s top chefs including Ben Shewry, Andrew McConnell, and Pete Gunn to collaborate for one night, with all proceeds raised on the night going to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.
Chef-designed specialty pizza slices will be on offer for $10, while signature cocktails will be served up for $15 each. A live auction will also take place to generate further funds for the cause.
More details here.
Bells at Killcare
Following its Rural Fire Brigade Gift Voucher Appeal over Christmas, Bells at Killcare on the NSW Central Coast is offering its local wildlife sanctuary a helping hand.
The boutique hotel will donate all profits from any new January accommodation bookings to the Walkabout Wildlife Park at Calga, which is currently caring for injured and displaced wildlife as a result of the bushfires.
So far, close to 300 animals have been moved to safety in temporary homes with qualified carers, however they still have a lot of work to do, as more animals are being rescued daily. The wildlife park is also expanding the capacity of the habitat to increase the concentration of animals it can support.
Phone 4349 7000 or email to book a room.
Lamaro’s Hotel
Lamaro’s Hotel in South Melbourne has teamed up with Wonboyn Wilderness Oysters from Eden, NSW who lost everything in the catastrophic bushfires ravaging across Australia.
Lamaro’s Hotel has obtained the last batch of Wonboyn Wilderness Oysters and will offer all-you-can-eat oysters and Brewmanity beer this Thursday, 9 January with all proceeds going direct to the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund.
For bookings, call 03 9690 3737.
Porteño Events
Sydney restaurant Porteño has announced it will host an Argentinian-style feast at its original Cleveland Street event space to raise funds for various charities supporting the bushfire crisis.
Aptly named Fighting Fire with Fire, the event will take place on Monday 13 January and will be one of the last dinners at the venue before the group leaves the event space for good.
Tickets are priced at $185 per person including drinks + booking fee, with all proceeds from the event to be donated. Get yours here.
Lancemore Hotels
Lancemore Hotels is pledging 15 per cent from every booking made using the code ‘relief’ during January to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery.
For those being evacuated due to bushfires in Victoria, Lancemore Macedon Ranges is able to accommodate horses, cattle and sheep. Call 0401 280 892 for details.
Beta Bar
Beta Bar in Sydney’s CBD will host the Brunch Bush Bash this weekend, organised by three event industry professionals to raise funds for NSW Rural Fire Service.
Taking place on Sunday 12 January, the event includes a grazing-style brunch, entertainment, raffles prizes and auction items. Find all the details here.
Is your venue or hotel running a fundraising initiative?
Contact us and we’ll help spread the word.
