Local Small Business Gives Back to the Red Cross with a Nod to Australia’s Furry Friends

Story by Kate Walters/ American Red Cross Volunteer 

“Here in Colorado, we can relate to what the people in Australia are going through and we just want to help out.” -Julian Rivera 

As those of us living in Colorado and Wyoming brace for the next winter storm, it’s hard for us to imagine that a hemisphere away, Australians continue to endure record high temperatures, dry conditions and strong winds. Bushfires have consumed over 50 million acres to date and threaten to continue growing. It is estimated that over 1.5 billion animals have been lost to the fires. The U.S. version of the Australian Guardian News reports that over half of all Australians have been directly affected by the summer bushfire crisis, including millions suffering from health effects and loss of work.

One of many local businesses stepping up to offer support is Colorado Ski Furniture of Manitou Springs, Colorado.  They decided to combine their creative artistic and carpentry skills to do what they do best, make cool chairs.  They have constructed special Adirondack style chairs made from recycled skis with an artistic nod to the Australian furry friends that have been devastated by the Australian bushfires. They are hoping people will enjoy the artwork, and at the same time help those who are struggling in Australia. Colorado Ski Furniture will donate 100% of the profit made from these chairs directly to the Australian Red Cross.

Business founder and owner, Adam Vernon, says he thought about doing his small part by personally donating to the Red Cross, but then he realized that he might be able to use his business location to inspire others to give. “People drive by here all day long. They see our chairs. What if a koala or a kangaroo chair would inspire more people to donate as well?” 

“Especially with the wildfires we’ve experienced around here in Colorado over the years, we can relate to what the people in Australia are going through and we just want to help out.”  said chair builder Julian Rivera. One Colorado Ski Furniture employee lost her home during the Waldo Canyon Fire. Another recalls cleaning ash from the pool where he was a lifeguard while watching flames crest a nearby ridge.  Vernon has also experienced the stress from disaster after having to evacuate his family from both the Hayman and the Waldo Canyon fires in Colorado.

Australian Red Cross volunteers are distributing aid and providing comfort to those in need. In addition to helping communities cut off by the fires, the emergency teams have welcomed families in evacuation and recovery centers across New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

The Red Cross is delivering basics such as food, water, and hygiene items in addition to arranging emergency accommodation in some areas. Families who have lost their homes in the bushfires are now able to apply for a cash grant from the Australian Red Cross, which can help them with their next steps and boost the local economy. 

Emotions are running high for people who have lost touch with loves ones as a result of the wildfires. The Australian Red Cross is providing peace of mind by registering people as “safe” and taking inquiries about family members who may be missing. Some neighborhoods isolated by the wildfires have received satellite phones from the Red Cross—so they can communicate their needs to emergency responders and get in touch with loved ones. 

Despite the heartache, humanity is shining through. Cheryl Colautti remembers, “There was one couple who came in covered in soot and I said, ‘Have you been fighting fires?’ and he said, ‘That’s an understatement. We lost our house and everything.’ I said ‘I’m so sorry.’” Cheryl feels she is making a difference simply by listening to people about their circumstances.

For updated information, follow the Australian Red Cross on Twitter @RedCrossAU.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. Donors can now designate their donation to relief efforts for the Australia Bushfires by indicating this in the memo line of a check or in the mail-in donation form.