2020 is starting off on a bit of a negative note, as bush fires ravage the Australian wildlife. CrossFit athletes from around the world are seeing this, and uniting in support of those struggling.
The news of these fires in Australia have reached CrossFit competitors from all over. They have seen that these fires are wrecking havoc on wildlife, and their habitats. Furthermore, it has destroyed thousands of homes, killing more than 20 people. Firefighters from the country are doing their best to battle the fires, but are struggling immensely, with no end in sight.
Seeing these struggles, the CrossFit community, like many others, are left heartbroken. Therefore, many athletes in the area are working alongside firefighters, to assist in any way possible. Moreover, people who are not in the area have been reaching out on their social medias with thoughts and prayers, urging people to help in whatever ways they can.
Multiple-time CrossFit Games winner Tia-Clair Toomey shared some ways to help.
” I’m stumped for words as I read all the tragedy that is happening back home in Australia. There is just TOO MUCH sadness for the people and animals affected. 😢
There is just TOO MANY people AND animals lives being taken from these horrific bush fires AND THEY NEED OUR HELP!
Let’s spread AWARENESS and help DONATE to the many people trying to turn such terrible tragedy into a some ray of sunshine.
Here are ONLY SOME of the website links & instagram handles below I have found to donate to, please follow #australianbushfires and find out more on how we can help.
cfa.vic.gov.au
rfs.nsw.gov.au
givit.org.au
wires.org.au
salvationarmy.org.au
redcross.org.au
donate.vinnies.org.au
cfsfoundation.org.au”
CrossFit athlete Kara Saunders gave a visual on how the damage has been affecting things.
“Fire is devastating Australia. Land, homes and LIVES have been lost and we’re not even close to being in the clear. Please help however you can.”
Australian native, and five-time CrossFit Games competitors Khan Porter shared heartbreaking images.
“Australia is burning.
My country. My home.
There has never been a fire in recorded history as devastating as what we are in the midst of right now.
Millions of hectares destroyed.
Over half a billion animals killed.
Thousands of homes lost.
Hundreds of people missing.
Lives lost.
I’ve seen so much anger and frustration around how this has happened, lots of finger pointing, hateful comments directed at our government, the anti-climate-change movement and the foreign media for not giving this enough attention etc.
Those who’ve lost something have every right to be angry.
But as we brace for one of the worst days so far for the fires, let’s put away our pitch forks and do something constructive to help those suffering through this.”
Additionally, many CrossFit affiliates are encouraging support stateside. The hashtag #BurpeesForBushFires has even been started, with participants being asked to make donations.
How can you help with the Australian bush fires, like these CrossFit athletes?
Well, many of the links to donate and support are in the posts of the CrossFit athletes. In addition to that, here are some links to provide aid:
- To directly assist firefighting efforts, you can make donations to the NSW Rural Fire Service.
- There are several charities to help with those left homeless from the fires including: The Salvation Army, as well as the St. Vincent De Paul charity, and the Australian Red Cross
- To help with wildlife who were harmed during the bush fires, you can make donations to WIRES, who help with recovery and rescue efforts.
These bush fires are tragic and terrible, without a doubt. However, it is nice to see the CrossFit community band together in this time of need.
Published: 6 January, 2020 | 1:10 PM EDT
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