Crown Resorts and Packer Family Foundation Donate $5 Million to Support the Bushfire Relief
The entire world has been shocked and stunned at the images of vast swathes of Australia on fire as the country battles some of the worst bushfires in its history.
Crown Resorts have been helping to raise money for those affected, promising to match any staff donations to bushfire relief funds. They have also been donating a bottle of water for every bottle of water sold on its premises.
In addition to these fundraising efforts, last weekend Crown Casino offered 200 rooms to evacuees from the fire-ravaged town of Mallacoota who had been evacuated to Melbourne on Australian naval vessels.
Founder of Crown Resorts James Packer said that Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times.
"My family and Crown are eager to do more and the best way we can help, is to significantly increase our donation.
"We hope these funds play a small part in helping our firefighters, and easing the suffering of people who have lost their homes and the poor wildlife caught up in the blaze. We just want to do our bit."
Back in November, the Packer Family Foundation pledged A$1 million (~US$695,500) to the Rural Fire Service of New South Wales following the fire's outbreaks.
Now, an additional A$4 million (~US$2,700,000) will be spent to support volunteer services in New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia, all of which Crown operates resorts in, and to charitable organisations providing relief to affected people and wildlife nationally.
Chair of the Crown Resorts Foundation The Hon Helen Coonan said in a statement that the bushfires have been and continue to be a tragic event.
"We are incredibly thankful for the hard work and sacrifice of our nation's firefighters, emergency services and charitable organisations.
"We encourage all Australians to give generously to assist those that have lost their homes and livelihoods, and to support our wildlife and firefighters risking their lives in the field."