Australia is currently experiencing devastating wildfires, combined with one of the country's droughts in decades. According to CNN, 24 people have lost their lives, and fires have been burning in every Australian state, particularly New South Wales.
The fires are also taking a toll on wildlife. More than 800 million mammals, birds and reptiles have been killed in the bushfires, according to an estimate by the University of Sydney.
If you haven't already donated to help the victims, volunteer firefighters and animal rescue agencies, consider patronizing these San Francisco businesses, which are donating profits to Australian relief groups this week.
Art at 3 Fish Studios
Outer Sunset-based 3 Fish Studios, led by Annie Galvin and Eric Rewitzer, is raising money for fire victims by selling an Australia-themed print of a koala, emblazoned with "I Love You Australia." The marsupials have been some of the fire's most notable victims — nearly 30% of New South Wales' koala population has been killed.
100% of proceeds from the sale of the print will go to the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Country Fire Authority, WIRES wildlife rescue as well as the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. 3 Fish encourages locals to donate independently to these organizations as well.
Pole-dancing class for fire relief
Over in the Lower Haight, VRV3 Studios (520 Haight St.) is teaming up with Sydney Pole for a fundraising event on Sunday, January 12, at 4:30 p.m. The pole-dancing class will be free, with participants asked to donate what they can to the Australian Red Cross.
VR3 is also offering clothing items as bonuses for larger donations. A $30 donation earns a VRV3 shirt (while supplies last), while a $200 donation will get you a onesie.
"I Can't Dance" fire fundraiser
I Can't Dance Recordings has organized a dance party fundraiser at the Monarch (101 6th St.) on Thursday, January 8 at 9 p.m. Skyler Redondo, Anderson Chase and Matt Perkins will headline.
Tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door, with proceeds going to the NSW Rural Fire Service, organizers said.
Donate by drinking coffee
Bluestone Lane, an Australian coffee chain with five locations in San Francisco, is donating all of its profits this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to the Australian Red Cross.
Then, on Australia Day (January 26), the chain will host a special fundraiser and raffle at its Financial District location (227 Front St.)
“It’s just heartbreaking seeing my homeland in so much pain," Bluestone Lane founder and CEO Nick Stone said in a statement. "All of our teammates feel compelled to help support families and animals impacted by this catastrophic disaster."
Are you hosting a fundraiser for Australia in San Francisco? Text Hoodline at (415) 200-3233 for potential inclusion in this story.
