An additional $4 million will be spent to support volunteer fire services in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia (states that Crown has resorts in) and to charitable organisations providing relief to affected people and wildlife nationally.
This is in addition to the $1 million pledged by the Packer Family Foundation to the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales following the outbreak of the fires in November.
The distribution of the $5 million is as follows;
FIRE SERVICES - TOTAL $2,500,000
NSW Rural Fire Service (November 14, 2019) $1,000,000
Victorian Country Fire Authority (CFA) $1,000,000
Western Australia Bush Fire Brigade (BFB) $500,000
NATIONAL & STATE CHARITIES - TOTAL $2,500,000
Australian Red Cross $500,000
Victorian Government fund in conjunction with Bendigo Bank and the Salvation Army $1,000,000
Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES), Zoos Victoria * $1,000,000
*Other Victorian and national accredited wildlife organisations to be included.
Packer Family Foundation Founder James Packer said;
"Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times, it's truly inspiring. My family and Crown are eager to do more and the best way we can help, is to significantly increase our donation.
We hope these funds play a small part in helping our firefighters, and easing the suffering of people who have lost their homes and the poor wildlife caught up in the blaze. We just want to do our bit."
Chair of the Crown Resorts Foundation The Hon Helen Coonan said;
"On behalf of the Crown Resorts Foundation, we are pleased to be able to announce the Foundation will be donating together with the Packer Family Foundation $5 million to support the firefighting effort and recovery.
This has been and continues to be a tragic event and we are incredibly thankful for the hard work and sacrifice of our nation's firefighters, emergency services and charitable organisations. We encourage all Australians to give generously to assist those that have lost their homes and livelihoods, and to support our wildlife and firefighters risking their lives in the field."
Packer Family Foundation Chairperson Gretel Packer said;
"Just like every Australian, we are so grateful to the extraordinary men and women who are fighting these fires. Their courage and heroism are breath-taking and inspiring; and the damage done to people, communities, animals and our wonderful country in the wake of these infernos is utterly heartbreaking.
Our donation will be directed to firefighters, and those caring for affected communities and wildlife. This crisis is far greater than any one contribution but, like so many others, we wanted to do what we could to support everyone facing these fires."
Both Foundations have confirmed that these donations will be paid in full to the nominated organisations this week.
For further details please contact Natasha Stipanov on 03 9292 8671.