Fighting Fires is a Bear

From the impassioned calls-to-action from award season stages to the Australian Open’s Rally for Relief—it seems that the world has come together to help those left in the wake of Australia’s devastating bush fires. And that includes 6-year-old, Owen Colley of Hingham, Massachusetts. Asking his mother if any animals had been hurt in the fire, the kindergartener proceeded to draw a picture of a dingo, kangaroo and koala in the rain, telling his mother it represented his wish for relief from the fires.

But Owen didn’t just wish. With the help of parents, Simon and Caitlin, he turned his concern for the wild animals into a mission—crafting clay koala bears to benefit Wildlife Rescue South Coast Incorporated, who are building aviaries and enclosures for displaced animals and helping individuals set up feeding stations across the region. Owen’s handiwork has “already helped him reach his goal of $1,000,” say his parents, “and we couldn’t be prouder!” In fact, he has raised over $250,000 to date! While Owen had been making a clay koala for anyone donating $50 or more, the overwhelming response now makes that impossible—though the family has been bombarded with offers to help make the bears and hopes the donations will continue regardless.

With Australia experiencing its hottest-ever drought conditions in 2019 and three months of hot weather to come, Emergency Commissioners are bracing for “more dynamic and dangerous fires,” said one, making such donations sorely needed. The fires are a clear sign of climate change, say scientists, with the damage not limited to Australia. NASA’s analysis of the smoke suggests it has the potential to make a “full circuit” around the earth.

It’s nice to see through all the smoke that one little boy can make a big difference.

Owen’s “Australian Creature Rescue” GoFundMe campaign sends funds directly to Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc.—and all donations are 100% tax deductible.