Since the bushfire crisis destroyed millions of hectares of land throughout New South Wales and Victoria, stacks of south-west initiatives sprung up for people to donate what they could to help those in the greatest need.
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Former Portland woman Jodie Silva organised a Facebook bushfire fundraiser which raised $1,843,133 for the Victorian Country Fire Authority. Over 36,000 people from around the world donated the fundraiser via social media.
Dee Ferguson organised a mega raffle at the Lady Bay Resort with around 100 south-west businesses donating over $5,000 worth of goods divided into four raffles and a silent auction and won throughout the event.
Mrs Fergus was joined by Lydia Kippe to organise The Warrnambool Bushfire Appeal which raised $12,654.65 and the duo were thrilled with the response.
"I was totally overwhelmed with how many people and businesses jumped on board so quickly to help which is what the real success of the fundraiser came down to," she said.
"Without such amazing community spirit it wouldn't have been successful.
"Lydia and I are so happy with the final result and glad the whole event was such a success."
Five friends joined forces to do their bit for the bushfires and raised $16,512.85 through their community concert event Coast Aid at Lake Pertobe.
TruBlue Dog Wash also raised an incredible $2,420.00 to the bushfire relief appeal through their services.
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