Unless you’ve been living under a rock of late (and more power to you if so), you’ll have noticed that Australia, especially the east coast, is suffering through a firestorm that has killed 23 people, burned 8.4million hectares, destroyed more than 1700 homes and incinerated over half a billion native wildlife. When we use the word catastrophic, it’s not hyperbole. Our sky has appeared apocalyptic, and the smoke has travelled over to New Zealand, staining their snowy peaks (sorry, my wonderful Kiwis).

Through it all, our fireys have been fighting this growing firefront for months, and this past week has seen the worst of it… so far. A perfect storm of sky-high temps, dry air, strong winds, and land that hasn’t seen rain in months or longer (tinder-dry). Our volunteer fireys are working day and night, and some with equipment that doesn’t quite cut it when it comes to what they’re facing — the heat, the smoke, the embers. These amazing men and women fight fires without pay, putting their lives at risk to save people and wildlife and homes — three volunteer fireys have died doing so, leaving young families behind.

Our government, especially on the Federal front, are a bunch of climate-change-denying asshats (don’t get me started on the waste of space that is our PM), and while they’ve finally agreed to financially compensate our volunteer fireys, there’s so much more that is needed.

Enter, Authors for Fireys. This is an auction from creatives that is running on Twitter, where you bid on specific offers with all proceeds going to the CFA (Country Fire Authority). There are some truly wonderful things on offer: signed books, limited books, being tuckerised in upcoming books; there are props and scripts, cartoon panels, creative consults, library research, handmade bookmarks, manuscript assessments… and cakes. Yes, cake, for those based in Melbourne — they’re amazing cakes!

The auction is running for a week (until January 11).

How it works: Use the Twitter hashtag #AuthorsForFireys to see what’s on offer and what appeals to you. Each creative runs their own auction from their tweet, and bids are made in the replies. Highest bidder wins. Once the auction is over, the winner will be asked to donate directly to the CFA — proof of donation is required. All donations are in Australian dollars.

Is it endorsed? Yes, head to this website for the details. The CFA have been informed of the auction and have given their permission to proceed.

So check out #AuthorsForFireys and see where you can help.

You can also make donations directly to the many volunteer firefighter associations (CFA, RFS etc), as well as the numerous animal welfare/sanctuaries assisting with saving our native fauna.

Every little bit helps, and every donation is so very much appreciated by all who call this part of our planet, home.