Co-operatives UK stands alongside Australian movement to support bushfire appeal

News item

Published

29th January 2020

Last updated

26th January 2021

Topic

Climate action

Australia is facing unprecedented bushfire conditions with homes destroyed, communities devastated and lives tragically lost.

The Australian co-operative and mutual sector has responded with support for emergency relief and future reconstruction – and Co-operatives UK is now partnering the Australian Bushfire Appeal by encouraging UK co-ops to donate in solidarity.

“It’s tough to imagine just how distressing this period is for many people in Australia. Going forward it will be hard for those affected to rebuild their lives and their homes,” said Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK.

We hope, by standing together with the Australian co-op sector, we can help play a role in supporting relief efforts and future reconstruction.

– Ed Mayo, Secretary General, Co-operatives UK

Co-operatives UK members that wish to support the efforts of Australian co-operatives and their local communities can donate to the Australian Mutuals Foundation (AMF) bushfire appeal.

Donations can be made by credit card
When filling in the donation form select the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutual (BCCM) in the ‘member of’ field
If you wish to donate using a SWIFT code please email BCCM Chief Operating Officer, Reece Kinnane

We will track the UK sector response and ensure your donation is shared with local co-operatives in affected communities and that you hear back on the impact of your donation.

Following numerous donations and offers of support from the UK sector, a sincere message of thanks has been received from Melina Morrison, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals: “I wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for your donation to the Australian bushfire appeal through the Australian Mutuals Foundation.

“It is often said that co-operatives come into their own in facing crisis, and no more so than when helping the communities in which they operate to rebound after a natural disaster.”

Australian co-operatives impacted by the devastating fires are buoyed by the solidarity of co-operatives around the world who have contributed to their efforts to rebuild for the long-term recovery of their wider communities. Thank you on behalf of the Australian co-operative movement.

– Melina Morrison, Chief Executive Officer, Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals

An overview of other activity in response to the bushfires and the support that Australian co-ops and mutuals are providing to their communities is set out here.

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