THUNDER BAY – It might be happening half a world away, but the Australian bushfire crisis isn’t far from the minds of many Thunder Bay residents. A number of local initiatives are underway with several ways for residents to help those affected.
On Saturday, about two dozen people braved difficult weather conditions to join the Aussie Relief Run. Organized by the team behind the Kakabeka Falls Legion Half Marathon, the event was one of hundreds happening across Australia and about 25 other countries this weekend in support of the Australian Red Cross’s relief work. Participants joined for a $50 donation, and could participate by running or walking.
Organizer Jim Gilbert said when he saw the devastation, he wanted to do something concrete to help.
“I had seen a lot stuff on social media about the fires in Australia, a lot of people posting thoughts and prayers and good wishes,” he says. “I thought, ‘let’s do something a little bit more.’”
He estimates the run raised around $1,300.
Runner Douglas Frederick Scott is a regular participant in the Kakabeka half-marathon. He said the event was a great way for the running community to pitch in.
“Many people here are doing training for other races,” he said. “So they can just incorporate this as part of their regular training and do something good at the same time.”
Meanwhile, local artist Kim Chase is looking to help out with an online auction of her work. Often inspired by animals and landscapes for her work, Chase wanted to find a way to help wildlife affected by the fires.
“It’s just a devastation that breaks my heart,” she said. “So it was really important to me to at least have some small contribution from this side of the world.”
The artist will be auctioning an original painting celebrating one of the country’s most iconic animals, the koala. She will also sell prints of the painting to raise funds, which will to go national animal rescue service WIRES. Bids for the painting start at $500, while prints will sell for $125. Those interested in learning more can do so at the fundraiser’s Facebook page.
Experts have estimated the animal death toll from the fires at a billion. A number of already endangered species are believed to now be pushed toward the brink of extinction from the fires.
“It always seems that animals are the last ones on the list to get any kind of support efforts” Chase says. “So I want to be that voice for the critters that don’t have one.”
A number of local businesses have also teamed up for a fundraiser on Australia Day next Sunday, Jan. 26. The event will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, with Australia-inspired cuisine, drinks, and games. The family-friendly event is free, but there will be several opportunities to donate.
