The ABC’s joint Disaster Relief and Recovery Appeal with the Australian Red Cross and City of Sydney has raised $10 million to support communities impacted by the ongoing bushfires.
The New Year’s Eve donation drive will fund disaster relief and recovery programs, including support for people at evacuation centres and cash grants for those who have lost homes in the bushfires.
The donation drive, which ends at Midnight tonight, topped $10 million at about 2pm on 4 January. The money will help the Red Cross give people the support they need in disasters, whenever and wherever they happen, including the current bushfires in NSW and Victoria and for future emergencies.
Judith Whelan, ABC Director of Regional & Local, said: “Thank you to everyone who has given generously to the Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Appeal to help the many thousands of Australians affected by the ongoing bushfire crisis. I also want to thank the emergency services teams, volunteers and organisations such as the Red Cross who are helping to keep people safe and well during disastrous conditions across many regions this weekend.”
The ABC launched the joint appeal during its New Year’s Eve live broadcast, which reached 3.5 million viewers. The ABC was the nation’s leading network on the night, with a five-city metro prime-time share of 26.3% (up from 22% in 2018).
Donations to the Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund can be made at redcross.org.au.
Media Release: Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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