Industry Lends a Hand in Australian Bushfire Crisis

SYDNEY, Australia- With the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia, companies from a wide span of industries have chipped in to help in whatever way they can, including those in the apparel and printing world. According to the BBC, the massive blaze which was triggered by high temperatures and prolonged drought has scorched more than 15 million acres and killed more than 20 people as of Jan. 13.

The report says that as of late, the state of New South Wales (NSW) has seen the most destruction, destroying thousands of houses and forcing thousands more into relocation. Elsewhere, the southeastern state of Victoria remains in what Australian authorities refer to as an extended “state of disaster.” The region suffered nearly 3 million acres of destruction, along with scores of evacuations and crews continue to battle fires in the area.

In the apparel world, Hanes Australasia has pledged roughly $500,000 of support to those impacted through its Bonds brand line. This pledge includes $400,000 of products distributed via organizations such as GIVIT and the Salvation Army, as well as a $100,000 cash donation. Bonds says it is also accepting online donations through February, of which proceeds will go directly to GIVIT to help fund purchases of essential goods for those affected.

PVH Corp. has also pledged a donation of $100,000 to the country’s Red Cross and Recovery Fund. In a recent press announcement, the company says it plans to “specifically support immediate rescue and relief efforts as the unprecedented bushfires sweep through Australia, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding.”

Additionally, PVH says contributions made at Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Van Heusen stores in Australia during January will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, with no purchase required.

For the equipment market, Mimaki Australia and Roland DG Australia have offered up their services in the wake of the disaster. According to Australian publication Print21, Mimaki Australia is providing showroom equipment as a means for customers to back up production, as well as offering a range of equipment support, including loan equipment. Similarly, Roland DG says it is providing no-cost service calls to affected businesses and providing condition reports for insurance claims. Roland is also offering repair work and spare parts at special rates on a case-by-case basis.

For those interested in helping out, this recent report by The Guardian features a comprehensive set of links and suggestions on how to contribute: http://printwear.ly/ausfire.