WITH the rest of the country ablaze, charitable efforts have spread across Perth to help eastern states communities cope with the fires.

Concerts, bake sales, and goods donations have sprung up, while over at Milktooth kids art school in Bayswater the tiny artists are putting up their masterpieces for sale.

The school’s Elizabeth Marruffo and Campbell Whyte have raised $1600 so far, asking people to donate directly to WIRES (the group helping rescue fire-affected wildlife), which then earns them a spot in their January 17 animal art workshops.

Raise funds

Two workshops have now sold out, but works created on the day will also be sold to raise funds on Saturday January 18, and all are invited to come along for a bid from 1pm to 3pm at 67 Whatley Crescent.

Perth Mosque is also organising a cross-cultural event “Perth Unites for Bushfire Relief” in collaboration with Man Up, Haka for Life, Sisterhood Empowerment, the Buddhist Society of WA, Corroboree for Life, Uniting Church and Vincent council down at Hyde Park on January 27, with food stalls, cultural performances and kids’ activities.

Vincent council is offering in-kind support for community fundraising efforts in its parks and facilities by waiving fees and promoting events. Contact 9273 6000 or community.partnerships@vincent.wa.gov.au to apply.

Vincent mayor Emma Cole says “the compassion in our community is so heartening amongst the pain, anguish and depth of loss from the overwhelming and unprecedented bushfires in our country.

“The response from community members, local businesses, community groups and organisations has been simply amazing.

“We are seeing children fundraising through lemonade stalls and cake bakes, so many local businesses donating their proceeds, people coming together to make items for injured and orphaned wildlife and a generosity of personal donations that will have an impact on recovery and support efforts.”

Ready to rock

South of the river, four of Perth’s most loved bands are joining together to raise money for the fires with a concert at the Fremantle Art Centre, Friday, January 31.

John Butler, The Waifs, San Cisco and Stella Donnelly will rock the heritage listed venue, with all proceeds from ticket sales, and merchandising going to WIRES Wildlife Rescue, the NSW RFS and the Vic Bushfire Appeal.

The Waifs’ Josh Cunningham and David Ross Macdonald and past members of the John Butler Trio have had to evacuate their homes in Victoria and New South Wales.

“Anxiety, fear, dread and terror are just a few of the emotions I’ve personally experience over the past weeks,” Cunningham says.