Author: helpingninjas

Vedh Barre, Age 11, Carmel Clay Schools

Helping Ninja – Founding member and youth leader

Indiana State House hosted its first ever Youth Climate Action Day, on Jan- 28, 2020 and Helping Ninja’s was one of the groups that was invited to the event. I was so excited and happy to be a part of it and attend the event, as it was geared towards spreading awareness about the environmental problems we are facing today, and how we go about solving these problems as it would impact our generation the most.

It was a great experience for Leo Berry, Siddarth Chavali and me to hear from our State lawmakers, Environmentalists and Youth Citizen representatives on this topic, hearing them speak provided a glimpse into all that we do as Helping Ninja’s with helping the environment and the difference we (kids) make.

This validated our belief on how kids and young people can make a huge difference and play a vital role in bringing the much needed change and awareness of the local and global impact of climate change. 

The most exciting part of my trip to the State House was getting to meet State Senator J. D. Ford and State House Representative Donna Schaibely, and the opportunity to interact with them and ask questions.

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I want to thank Jim Poyser, Executive Director with Earth Charter Indiana, a non profit that focuses on helping our environment who made this happen for us and a special shout out to Lindsay Berry, for making all this happen for us! 

All in all, it was an amazing experience and I am so happy that we could be a part of the first ever Youth Climate Action Day, in Indiana!

https://www.facebook.com/helpingninjasindy/videos/2671012763019671/

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Australia’s Bushfire Relief: A Guide to How You Can Help

By Lindsey Fella Berry 

More 9,000 miles away, Australia wildfires continue to burn, causing catastrophic damage. Each day, first responders, firefighters, volunteers and organizations are working together to help victims of the bushfires.   

Going on record, as one of the most intense fires the country has ever seen.

Over one billion animals are believed to have lost their lives, 6.3 million acres of land burned, thousands of families displaced and homes destroyed, and  24 people have been killed, including ten firefighters.

How can we help Australia?

Currently, the most effective way you can help and support bushfire relief efforts is to make a monetary donation. Here are a list of organizations working to help and links to how you can support their efforts.

Community and Fire Victims  

• The St. Vincent de Paul Society Provides emergency housing support to bushfire victims. St’Vincnet’s Vinnies Bushfire Appeal is aimed specifically to help displaced families. Donate Here.
• Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Funds recovery programs, emergency assistance in affected communities, disaster preparation, protection and volunteer training. Donate Here.
• The Salvation Army Supports communities affected by the fires, with emergency service teams responding to loss of life and property. Donate Here.
• Foodbank is a hunger relief charity in Australia. For every $1 donate, they can provide $6 worth of supplies to communities affected by the fires. Donate Here.
• Blaze Aid Works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters  Donate Here. 
• Save the Children Supports children and parents with recovery, aiding in assistance to support trauma from loss of community. Donate Here. 
• First Nations Communities Supports aide to cover expenses for culturally sensitive, specific and direct support to those communities in need.  Donate Here. 
• Givit Serves as a third party to provide donations whether goods or monetary.  Donate Here. 
• Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Long term support for communities affected by the fire. Donate Here.

Conservation, Wildlife & Habitat Support 

• WIRES Rescues and rehabilitates wildlife rescue in Australia. Donate Here.
• The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)  Conservation efforts to save wildlife affected by Australian wildfires and restore land for future habitats. Donate here.
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital Rescues and treats injured koalas. Donate Here. 
• RSPCA NSW Supports measures and efforts to help wildlife, pets, and livestock endangered by the fires. Donate Here.
• One Tree Planted is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Vermont dedicated to long-term restoration. $1 can plant a tree. Donate Here. 
• Erwin Family Australia Zoo  Donate Here. 
• Vets Beyond Borders Provides life-saving medical care to animals affected by the Australia bushfires. Donate here.
• Zoos Victoria Bushfire Emergency Wildlife Fund which funds emergency vet assistance.  Donate Here.
• Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. protect the koalas in the region. Donate Here.
• Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park Seeking of donations for vet assistance and animal food, specifically koala milk. Donate Here. 

First Responders and Firefighters 

• Victoria Country Fire Authority (CFA)  Supports firefighters and their efforts in Victoria.  
• New South Wales SW Rural Fire Service  Supports firefighters and their efforts in New South Wales. 
• The Country Fire Service in South Australia  Supports firefighters and their efforts in South Australia. 
• Rural Fire Brigades Association  Supports firefighters and their efforts in the State of Queensland. 

Get involved, support and educate.

• #ThankAFirefighter Youth platform for posting photos of thank you cards and or artwork dedicated to showing gratitude to firefighters and first responders and expressing appreciation for their bravery. Learn more ThankAFirefigher.com

Social Media Support 

• #AuthorsForFireys Authors are auctioning off signed books and writing services, donating funds towards fire relief.
• #FightFireWithaFiver Comedian Nick Kroll and Aussie actor Joel Edgerton are encouraging donations to the NSW RFS of $5.
• #Bushfires #NSW Simply by following this hashtag, you can become aware of what is happening down under, and support those affected by fire devastation.