Organisations raise funds to support native wildlife affected by bushfires

Woolworths is among the many Australian organisations leading an appeal to help animals injured or orphaned by the devastating NSW bushfires.

As bushfires continue to burn across Australia, hundreds of organisations have rallied to support not only firefighters and those families affected, but our native wildlife as well.

NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) has launched a national $1 million emergency for frontline wildlife rescue and volunteer groups.

The fund will provide immediate assistance to cover the costs associated with the rescue and care of animals affected by fire, drought and extreme weather conditions.

A vulnerable native brush-tailed rock-wallaby enjoying a sweet potato in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Picture: Woolworths

Woolworths is also among those leading an appeal to support the rescue and recovery of animals impacted by the blaze.

The supermarket chain has committed $250,000 that will be donated to several state and national organisations including WIRES, WWF, RSPCA, Fauna Rescue, SA and Wildlife Victoria, with additional funds to support many local wildlife rescue agencies.

In partnership with the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, WWF and Foodbank, Woolworths is providing fresh fruit and vegetables to NSW National Parks to feed vulnerable and endangered native species at risk, including the grey-headed flying-fox and the mountain pygmy-possum.

Fire-impacted, orphaned pouch-rescued Eastern Grey Kangaroo joeys at the property of WIRES Carers Kevin and Lorita Clapson in East Lynne, South of Sydney. (AAP Image/Steven Saphore)

Woolworths Supermarkets Managing Director, Claire Peters, said the impact of the bushfires on Australian wildlife has been devastating.

“We are pleased to provide financial support and donations of surplus food to help a number of organisations who are making a meaningful and immediate difference by feeding and caring for vulnerable wildlife displaced during the bushfires,” she said.

To date, Woolworths have connected over 30 stores directly to local wildlife rescue agencies and carers as part of its existing food rescue program.

This program have seen over 30 million kilograms of food donated as animal feed to local farmers, including zoos and animal rescue and welfare centres per year.