The extreme "natural" events of drought, wildfires and floods bring communities and people together. These visible - and hence can be photographed and filmed - disasters are readily understood by the public and have lead to many volunteer groups being formed with the aim of helping others in their time of need.
In other parts of the world there are earthquakes and landslides to deal with. Many attribute a proportion of recent landslides to increased spread of deforestation activities.
It is planned to add to the following examples taken from the Australian experiences. It has been said that much of the Australian society depends on volunteers giving back to the community.
Buy A Bale (of Hay)
Link: https://www.buyabale.com.au/
From their website: Supporting Aussie farmers and rural communities throughout Australia. This drought appeal campaign is providing meaningful support for farmers by delivering hay and other essential items to farmers who have no feed left for their cattle.
All donations to our drought assistance campaign have a four fold effect. Some hay is donated, some we buy, so we’re feeding a hay farmer and their family. Some of our truckies are donating their time and diesel, some loads we’re paying for, so we’re feeding truckies and their families. Donations towards our Country Card inject immediate cash into the rural towns, city cash going bush. Finally what hay we deliver saves farmers cash that they can continue to spend on other items.
Farmers Across Borders
Link: https://www.farmersacrossborders.com.au/
From their website: Farmers Across Borders – Hay from WA, is a is a charitable not-for-profit, organisation - group of farmers and truckies from Western Australia aiming to help farmers who have been affected by drought and other natural disasters.
Farmers Across Borders was born in 2014 when they decided to help drought-stricken farmers in NSW after a bumper season of their own. They organised 16 road trains of donated hay from fellow WA farmers to be delivered to Bourke & Lightning Ridge in NSW in conjunction with Burrumbuttock Hay Runners. The 2014 hay run was the start of life long friendships built on a common theme of wanting to help fellow farmers in need. Since this time the team have sent over 15,000 bales of feed to properties in NSW, QLD and WA. We believe there is nothing more important than helping your neighbour.
Blaze Aid
Link: https://blazeaid.com.au/
From their website: A volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
Equally important, volunteers also help to lift the spirits of people who are often facing their second or third flood event after years of drought, or devastating losses through bushfires. BlazeAid volunteers work in a disaster-affected area for many months, not only helping individuals and families, but also helping rebuild the local communities.
Soils for Life
Link: https://soilsforlife.org.au/about/
From their website: Soils for Life is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to supporting Australian farmers and rural communities in regenerating soils and landscapes to build natural and social capital and transform food systems. Soils for Life sits within a complex ecosystem of organisations and groups who share a common overarching vision of:
- Productive and profitable food and fibre systems
- Regenerated biodiverse soils and landscapes
- Resilient and connected communities
- Healthy, nutritious, abundant food