In the event of the 2019-2020 Australian bushfire tragedy, New South Wales has been declared a state of emergency and Victoria a state of disaster. According to the BBC, thousands have been severely affected by the raging fires; 28 people have lost their lives to date, over 2000 homes destroyed, more than 10 million hectares of land area decimated, and a third of the koala population wiped out.
However, within these troubling times for Australians, there has been a small glimmer of hope. Worldwide people have banded together and created fundraiser events for the bushfire victims, some organizations receiving millions of dollars in financial help. ARMYs too have made an outstanding effort in showcasing their support for these fire affected ones.
On the 3rd of January 2020, Twitter fanbase Australia BTS (@australiabts) organized a fundraiser to adopt koalas currently being cared for at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. They have raised over $20,000 AUD towards the effort. Due to the influx of support towards the Koala Hospital, the site has since crashed. Commenting on this issue Australia BTS stated “[We] plan on adopting more koalas as soon as possible. At the moment we have managed to assist with three [koalas] before the site crashed.” On the 14th January, they donated $5,000 AUD to the Red Cross, with the donation certificate shared to ARMY contributors through the fanbases’ Twitter account. “We also have a focus on the men and women that are risking their lives to try and control the fires as well…[We] plan to continue donating (hopefully in the range of $5,000) to the firefighter campaigns in the states affected.”
Australia BTS have praised the ways ARMY has been contributing to help with the bushfire effort.
“ARMY from all around the world have been pulling through for Australia and how we are currently suffering as a country. We have received messages from Brazillian, Indian and American ARMYs for example, wanting to assist in raising funds and spreading the word which has been absolutely amazing. It’s sad that such a tragedy brings people together but still very heartwarming to see.”
The support for charity and fundraiser events are a common occurrence within the ARMY fandom who often refer to BTS’ examples with their UNICEF work and other personal contributions to charities. If you would like to help in donating funds towards the Australian Bushfire effort, consider donating to the following fundraisers and organizations:
Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park - Kangaroo Island contains the only chlamydia free koala population in Australia.
The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital - Assisting burn victim koalas in New South Wales.
WIRES - A Wildlife center located in New South Wales dedicated to helping as many bushfire-affected animals as possible.
Wildlife Victoria - A wildlife center for Victoria, rescuing Australian animals throughout the state.
NSW Rural Fire Service - The fire department for New South Wales.
The CFA - The fire department for Victoria.
With BTS CONNECT underway in an effort to cross borders of both arts and countries, it seems only right that ARMYs from across the world band together to help protect one of the most beautiful places on earth. In times of tragedy such as this, it's our responsibility not only as BTS ARMY but as citizens together on this planet, to do what we can to make the world a more purple place to be.
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Written By: Caitlin
Edit By: Aury
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