Jeff Bezos, Amazon's CEO and the world's richest man, has pledged $1 million to the Bushfire crisis in Australia.
Boasting a fortune of over $116 million, Bezos took to Instagram this weekend to announce the donation.
"Our hearts go out to all Australians as they cope with these devastating bushfires. Amazon is donating $1 million in needed provisions and services. Find more about it and learn how customers can help as well," read the caption.
This woman risked her life to rescue a koala from the wildfires:The donation is due to be distributed to the Australian Red Cross, the Salvation Army Australia, animal charity WIRES, and Australia’s Rural and Country Fire Services.
Bezos also encouraged people to take a look at an Amazon blog post, which explains how consumers can donate to the crisis by buying certain items from a wish-list put together for victims of the blazes.
"Customers who wish to donate essential items to the relief effort can do so by visiting Amazon.com.au and shopping from the wish list specifically created by BlazeAid. Amazon will deliver these items to BlazeAid’s nominated destinations. Additional charity wish lists will be added in the days to come with thousands of items available to order," the post explained.
"The donated products, including water, food, safety clothing, building materials, and more, have been specifically requested by BlazeAid as essential to aid their volunteers in the recovery efforts."
Bezos' personal contribution comes after Australian billionaire, Andrew "Twiggy" Forest, revealed that he will be spending $70 million to help with the ongoing crisis.
How you can donate:
The NSW Rural Fire Service has multiple options for direct donations. You can donate to the RFS as a whole, or to specific brigades. You can donate through bank transfer, credit card or cheque.
For bank transfers, there is a set bank account (Account Name: NSW Rural Fire Service, BSB: 032-001, Account No: 171051). This account is for the RFS as a whole.
This link will take you to the landing page for credit card donations. You can donate to the RFS general fund or choose specific brigades from the dropdown box.
In Queensland, Fire and Rescue advise that you can donate both money and items through the website givit.org.au. The website allows fire-affected communities to list what they specifically need, from water tanks in Yeppoon to school uniforms in Zillmere.
In Victoria, the Country Fire Authority has two bank accounts - one for specific brigades and one for the general fund.
In South Australia, the Country Fire Service accepts donations through the CFS Foundation. You can donate to them here. You can also leave a bequest.
If you cannot find the particular brigade you are looking for, you can contact them directly.
