James Packer to donate $5 million to Australian bushfire crisis

Billionaire James Packer has been inspired by the scenes of Australians helping during the bushfire crisis and pledged to do “his bit” by donating $5 million to the people and animals devastated on both sides of the continent.

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Billionaire James Packer and his family will donate $5 million to the national fire crisis, with the businessman personally touched by reports of devastation for so many families and wildlife on both sides of the continent.

The donation split between the Packer family foundation and Crown Resort Foundation will be fast tracked for immediate relief and be paid this week; in November Mr Packer pledged $1 million over five years to the NSW Rural Fire Service but this too will be made available this week.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of his latest generous gift will be Wires, the volunteer wildlife rescue operation, which has been receiving up to 1000 calls a day from communities along the east coast asking for help for injured and orphaned animals.

Billionaire James Packer has donated $5 million to the bushfire crisis. Picture: Tracey Nearmy

The group recently launched an appeal for donations to cope with the unrelenting demand for services from the catastrophic fires which are continuing.

Mr Packer told News Corp Australia he just wanted to do “his bit” and was genuinely touched by the images he had seen.

“Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times, it’s truly inspiring,” he said yesterday.

Mr Packer said it was “inspiring” to see Australians supporting each other. Picture: Dan Himbrechts

“My family and Crown are eager to do more and the best way we can help, is to significantly increase our donation. We hope these funds play a small part in helping our fire fighters, and easing the suffering of people who have lost their homes and the poor wildlife caught up in the blaze. We just want to do our bit.”

Packer Family Foundation Chairperson Gretel Packer said the crisis was far greater than any one contribution but they felt strongly about helping.

“Just like every Australian, we are so grateful to the extraordinary men and women who are fighting these fires. Their courage and heroism are breathtaking and inspiring; and the damage done to people, communities, animals and our wonderful country in the wake of these infernos is utterly heartbreaking.”

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the donation has been Wires, an organisation dedicated to protecting wildlife. Picture: AAP

The Packers discussed the crisis with Chair of the Crown Resorts Foundation Helen Coonan.

“On behalf of the Crown Resorts Foundation, we are pleased to be able to announce the Foundation will be donating together with the Packer Family Foundation $5 million to support the fire fighting effort and recovery,” the Honourable Ms Coonan said.

“This has been and continues to be a tragic event and we are incredibly thankful for the hard work and sacrifice of our nation’s fire fighters, emergency services and charitable organisations. We encourage all Australians to give generously to assist those that have lost their homes and livelihoods, and to support our wildlife and fire fighters risking their lives in the field.”

The donation will be fast tracked to provide quick relief. Picture: Dean Lewins

Among the designated beneficiaries will be the RFS and Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) with $1 million each and $500,000 for the Western Australia Bush Fire Brigade.

The Australian Red Cross is also to receive $500,000 with $1 million for the Victorian Government Fund with Bendigo Bank and the Salvation Army with another $1 million for Wires and Zoos Victoria and other Victorian and national accredited wildlife organisations.

All beneficiaries were advised overnight by the Packer camp.

Last night a spokeswoman for WIRES said: “WIRES is deeply grateful for this incredibly generous donation to help native wildlife.

“As we face the enormity of the challenge of responding to the catastrophic fires and drought, gifts like this enable WIRES to provide food and animal treatment for animals in care, and equipment.

“We will be able to continue to serve the community by supporting volunteers to rescue and care for more sick, injured and orphaned wildlife long-term.”

Originally published as James Packer to donate $5 million to Australian bushfire crisis