Brands rally to help bushfire victims

Car companies are digging deep to help in the wake of Australia’s bushfires by donating millions of dollars, waiving fees and supplying vehicles for volunteers.

Volkswagen is the latest brand to join the effort and has committed AU$2.5 million (NZ$2.6m), with AU$500,000 going to fire services, AU$1m for organisations involved with endangered wildlife and AU$1m toward reforestation.

Holden has pledged AU$1m relief and recovery operations, including AU$200,000 for the Australian Red Cross, reports Perth Now.

Toyota Australia and its Japanese parent company has donated nearly AU$500,000 to The Salvation Army Disaster Appeal, and Ford has given AU$100,000 to the Red Cross. The blue oval, along with other brands and dealerships, has also offered vehicles to help volunteer organisations during the crisis.

Hyundai and Mazda say they have made donations but do not want to reveal how much, and Kia will donate to the cause through its partnership with Tennis Australia and the Australian Open.

Other support from marques has included the Honda Foundation donating 26 generators to provide power to communities in affected areas, and Mitsubishi has made undisclosed donations and given staff up to four weeks of paid leave to assist in the bushfire crisis.

Mitsubishi and Nissan are also working through their financial arms with people affected by the fires who have outstanding bills.

Drought support

While the bushfires rage, many areas of Australia are also battling severe drought and Jeep Australia backed the Farmers Across Borders organisation to help replenish vital supplies.

A convoy of 20 road trains loaded travelled overnight across Western Australia to deliver much-needed hay to drought-hit farmers on Australia Day, January 26. 

Jeep Australia provided breakfast and dinner for the drivers over the 1000km travelled, along with a fleet of Jeep support vehicles for the Farmers Across Borders team to travel in.