Gifts to help Australia top $125,000

Veterinary community, stand up and take a bow. 

In just three weeks, we’ve come together and raised more than $125,000 in donations to help our Australian colleagues, who, along with their animal patients, are facing unprecedented and devastating wildfires. We’re inspired by this response, and we thank each and every person who has donated to make this possible through the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF).

The need continues

More than 75 fires continue to burn across Australia, causing ongoing destruction to the environment, animals, people, and property. Australia still needs our help.

Recognizing the need, the AVMA and AVMF have joined with VCA Charities for a second phase of fundraising to support those impacted by the bushfires. VCA Charities has pledged to match up to $50,000 in additional donations made to the AVMF to benefit the Australian Veterinary Association’s (AVA) Benevolent Fund. 

Can you help?

Join with us to provide relief to our colleagues on the front lines of this disaster. The goal is to raise $50,000 in individual contributions so the AVMF can take advantage of the full match from VCA Charities. To have your gift matched, donate to the AVMF at avmf.org/donate, and indicate that your donation should be applied to “Disaster Relief – AVA Benevolent Fund” using the dropdown menu in the donation form.

With your help, the total contribution from the AVMF to our Australian colleagues could exceed $225,000. In the first round of fundraising, the AVMF itself matched $50,000 in individual gifts, and the AVMA contributed an additional $25,000. All of the funds are being sent to the AVA’s Benevolent Fund.  

Thanks from our Australian colleagues

“We feel so supported,” said Dr. Julia Crawford, president of the AVA and a practice owner in Sydney. “It’s just made me aware of what a wonderful profession we’re a part of, and that our love of animals, that brings us together wherever we are in the world, is just so special.” 

Veterinarians across Australia are doing voluntary work, alternating between trying to keep their practices running and caring for wildlife that is in dire need of help. “Whatever we have left is so incredibly precious, and having the funds to be able to treat these animals and look after them is really a wonderful thing,” Dr. Crawford said. “The support has been truly spine-chilling.”

“Every vet has a story”

As the bushfires rage across Australia, “people had to leave their homes in a hurry. One family found a koala, wrapped him up, and drove him to my practice,” said Dr. Crawford.  “It was hungry and dehydrated. Our veterinarians rehydrated and treated him, and then he was transferred to a wildlife center for recovery. And the next step is to take them back as close as possible to where they were found."

“Probably every vet has a story like mine,” she added.  “When they were evacuating, it was so quick and so fast.”

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