Four charities assisting in the recovery of Australia’s devastating bushfires earlier this year have been given a boost in the form of a significant donation from Accor via its Bushfire Disaster Relief Appeal.
Utilising a GoFundraise donation platform and individual fundraising initiatives across its hotel, apartment and corporate office network during the earlier part of 2020, the company managed to raise $404,000 for the cause.
The money has been distributed to registered charities including $154,000 to state-based rural and country fire services in NSW, Victoria and South Australia; $100,000 to the Australian Red Cross; $75,000 to the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife and $75,000 to Greening Australia.
The financial aid comes on top of accommodation assistance provided by the company during the crisis, whereby the company put up firefighters, first response personnel working in fire-affected areas and displaced families who had lost their primary residences.
Accor Pacific Chief Operating Officer, Simon McGrath, said he hoped the donations would help the charities to source and distribute vital supplies where needed.
“The impact of the bushfires was catastrophic in many states across Australia earlier this year.
“Since then, COVID-19 has become a national priority, however it’s important we continue to care for those many people and communities impacted by the bushfires across Australia.
“We could not have raised these crucial funds without the incredible people we have in our business and the generosity of our guests.”