As wildfires ravage the Australian outback causing catastrophic damage, loss of life, destruction of habitats, and unimaginable damage to property, the world continues to be moved by pictures and accounts from first respondents, firefighters, and victims of the blaze. Images of entire forests being razed leaving nothing but scorched earth, and charred carcasses of adorable Australian marsupials, have been a rallying call to action for the entire world – not least, communities of expats living across China and especially Beijing.
Here are the sobering statistics. The population of kangaroos on Kangaroo Island was estimated at 50,000 but is now feared to have halved due to the blaze. It is also estimated that in New South Wales alone, the death toll of indigenous animals found in the region between the months of September and December 2019 is a shocking 480 million, with the total across Australia estimated at 1.25 billion animals. 25 people have lost their lives due to the blaze, with homes destroyed in the wake of the fire numbering in the thousands. With the blaze spreading at an alarming 75 to 80 kilometers an hour and with no signs of it abating, fears of a rising death toll are well-founded.
Communities across the world have rallied to support all those affected by the fire – animal and human alike. Such activities in Beijing are being spearheaded by such establishments as 京A, with a fundraising dinner and drinks event being held at their tap room on Thursday January 16. Paddy O’Shea’s, a Beijing mainstay, also has an event planned to the same end, with their Aussie Takeover event to be held this Friday January 17 starting at 8pm. “Many of the Beijing sports clubs – Aardvarks, Bombers and Ducks – have teamed up to arrange a massive night of entertainment, live music, food, Aussie beer and drinks, and a massive raffle”, explain the organizers at Paddy’s.
On Saturday, January 18 the funds drive is set to continue with an Australia day celebration at East Hotel, including a huge raffle to raise funds. This will be followed on Sunday January 19 by an all-you-can-eat buffet at Pebbles restaurant. All funds collected will be donated to the Australian Red Cross, The Smith Family (an Australian children’s charity), WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service), New South Wales RFS (Rural Fire Service), Victoria CFA (Country Fire Authority), and the South Australian CFS (Country Fire Service).
However, fundraising drives might not be enough. Many of the animals rescued are babies whose mothers perished in the fires. As most of them are marsupials, they need constant warmth and nourishment provided to them in their mother’s pouches. In the absence of these pouches, crafts groups across China are collaborating to create hand-made pouches and crocheted nests for rescued babies. One such Beijing group even offers craft enthusiasts and novices alike elaborate instructions on how to stitch, sew, or knit a perfect pouch or nest for the little rescued animals.
If you wish to donate or help in any way, do scan the QR Codes provided in the flyers and find out even more information about how you too might be able to get involved.
Photos: Micheal Jared, Event Organizers, Evelyne – Craftmania
