At the time of writing this, we know that over 1 million acres (more than three times the size of the city of Los Angeles) in California have burned since July. More than 100,000 people have had to evacuate their homes and it's only early in the fire season. More land has burned already this year, than during all of 2019. What's more, this is all happening in the middle of a pandemic. Here at 1 Million Women, we're based in Sydney and this hits close to home, as we're still feeling the effects of last Summer's bushfires. During the horrible Australian bushfires, communities in Australia and all over the world rallied together to help us. Now, we can do the same for California. Here are some actions you take to help and places to donate to.
First of all, if you're in the US - vote in the upcoming election. And it's important to remember that even if you're not in the US, we all share one atmosphere, and who you vote for in your country still affects people everywhere. So if you have an election coming up, this applies to you too! Vote for candidates who are committed to climate action and talk to your friends and families about voting for climate action too. Your vote is so important, it determines who represents you and your community. For resources on how to vote, where to vote and things like absentee ballots go here and here.
Secondly, no matter where you are in the world you can write to your elected representative and tell them how important taking climate action is to you (and your community), and you can use the wildfires in California as an example of why. Here's a letter writing guide we put together during the Australian bushfires and here's another one on writing a letter about building a better future as we emerge from the pandemic. And here's a useful article (this is another informative one) on how climate change and wildfires are linked.
Donating
Here are some charities and organisations that will use your funds to help out those who are impacted by the California wildfires. Leave a comment or message us if you know of more organisations to include on the list. Thank you to the Zero Waste Chef for pointing us in the direction of these organisations.
The American Red Cross
Donations go to disaster relief efforts, and help fund evacuation and cooling centres. The American Red Cross is helping shelter people impacted by the fires and with local partners have provided 3,4000 meals to those in need so far. Donate here
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We continued to shelter people impacted by #CaliforniaWildfires last night with emergency lodging, and in some circumstances, hotels. Together with local partners, we've also been able to provide nearly 3,400 meals to those in need. #wildfires #RedCross #California #wildfire
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Community Foundation Santa Cruz County
This foundation support the Santa Cruz community. They have set up a Fire Response Fund that supports "our county's residents who are affected. Donations to the fund will be distributed to nonprofit agencies and organizations directly assisting individuals to meet needs as they arise" .Donate here.
If you live in the area, they also have more ways of helping through donating supplies or volunteering, see more information here.
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Amidst the heartbreak &devastation, there are still ways to help our beloved #SantaCruz County survive--together. Even after everything, we continue to rise & help our neighbors. Here are three ways you can help immediately. #czulightningcomplex LINK IN BIO (Photo: Shmuel Thaler)
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California Community Foundation's Wildfire Relief Fund
This fund "supports immediate, mid- and long-term recovery efforts for major California wildfires, as well as support for animals affected by wildfires...Grants from the Wildfire Relief Fund will go to community foundations or key anchor organizations in the affected areas". Donate here
California Fire Foundation
The California Fire Foundation provides 'emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect.' They also have programs that provide 'assistance to the victims, firefighters, and communities that are affected by natural disasters including the Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program. Frontline firefighters personally distribute $250 SAVE gift cards to eligible victims of fire or other natural disaster, to purchase basics like medicine, food or clothing.' Donate here. (When we donated we had to pick a US zip code but otherwise input our other details).
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California is battling 367 known fires with thousands evacuating their homes. When fire or natural disaster strikes, victims are often left with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. @cafirefound has a variety of programs that provide assistance to the victims, firefighters, and communities that are affected by natural disasters including the Supplying Aid to Victims of Emergency (SAVE) program. Frontline firefighters personally distribute $250 SAVE gift cards to eligible victims of fire or other natural disaster, to purchase basics like medicine, food or clothing. You can support our efforts by donating through the link in bio
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United Farm Workers [US donations only]
Support farm workers and fights for their rights. Farm workers are being exposed to dangerous conditions amidst the wildfires and pandemic. Donate here.
Farm workers don't get to use Zoom to harvest our food. Ramiro sent us this photo from Salinas CA where he is currently harvesting lettuce during the wildfires, despite the air quality being "very unhealthy ." #WeFeedYou pic.twitter.com/VRmXexmxUa
— United Farm Workers (@UFWupdates) August 20, 2020
North Valley Animal Disaster Group
This organisation works with emergency services to educate and assist in sheltering and evacuating animals during a disaster. According to their website, they have " trained over 900 volunteers state-wide in the past 15 years on best practices for disaster response for animals. We are proud to be part of the California-wide response to animal care in this very challenging time. Thank you to all the donors and volunteers who together have made this response possible." Donate here.
