The first week of January 2020 was one of the worst in our history, as the ongoing tragic toll of the fires that had raged for months become clear, with millions of hectares of wildlife habitat and many animals lost.
Deeply moved by the destruction, the global community donated generously to support immediate rescue and care requirements and the long-term recovery work required to help surviving species.
Thanks to their generosity, on January 10th WIRES was able to confirm that we could provide national support for wildlife. By January 22nd WIRES had confirmed 3 million in funding for immediate rescue and care requirements, 1 million to support WIRES 28 branches and 3000 volunteers within NSW the worst impacted state and 2 million for national rescue organisations, licensed carers and vets. This was later increased to over 4 million.
At the same time WIRES began working on a wide range of partnerships and programs focused on long-term recovery.
WIRES Wildlife Relief Grants Program for national rescue organisations and licensed carers opened in January. The relief grants were targeted to provide critical emergency support to volunteers assisting wildlife impacted by the fires and drought, as well as the veterinary sector, both of whom were working tirelessly to manage native animals currently requiring immediate and ongoing care.
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