In an act of altruism, the Friends Forever Animal Rescue (FFAR) in Gladysdale donated a ute tray chock full of essential supplies after animal rescues were devastated by bushfires.
The donation was made to Animals Australia to help recovery efforts for Gunyah Animal Healing Centre and Tarcombe Animal Shelter after fires tore through both properties.
FFAR founder Saskia Adams said it was their duty to do whatever they could to help.
“In a crisis like this all of any animal welfare organisation wants to do what they can to help others, not only because they’re worthwhile, but it could be us one day too,” Ms Adams said.
“Our hearts are absolutely broken to hear the devastation that went through Gunya Animal Healing Sanctuary and Tacombe Animal Shelter.”
FFAR donated 10 squares and two round bales of hay, hard feed supplies and a water transfer trailer to give water access to badly burnt areas.
“We sent that up with volunteer and employee resources and fuel as well. So it feels like a small amount, but it was what we could do anyway.”
Animals Australia teamed up with Vets For Compassion to deploy its Veterinary Emergency Team to save animal welfare organisations, and the animals themselves.
“Forever Friends Animal Rescue generously allowed us to take their trailer and some food and water to ehelp at Gunyah. It was thanks to their logistical help that supplies were able to arrive so quickly,” Animals Australia said in a Facebook post.
The Longwood fire ravaged infrastructure at Gunyah Animal Healing Sanctuary though luckily only three ponies were accounted for and safe.
Tragically, the Tarcombe Wildlife Shelter lost everything, save for the six joeys and one doe that the shelter’s owner Dr Robyn Coy carried with her own two hands.
Ms Adams said support for animal welfare organisations extends to the humans who run them as well.
“We have to support the people who are trying to help the animals as well because this is, you know, sometimes their life’s work has been destroyed just in a matter of minutes. So the people deserve all our help and compassion as well.”
Ms Adams said it’s important to recognise the animals who have suffered greatly from the fires too.
“As communities, we always think first of the people, and I totally understand that. But the animals pay a very high price. Probably a higher price than us humans, when you consider the number of lives that have been lost.
“So we can’t forget those victims, too.”
