From Austin to Australia
12 Austin events to help victims of Australia's devastating fires
As Australia’s fires continues to rage on, it's been heartbreaking to watch the devastation from afar. According to the New York Times, 15 million acres have burned, 24 people have died, and countless animals have been decimated by the wildfires.
But Austinites aren’t built to stand back and watch so we’re doing what we can to raise money for victims, rescue services, and animal nonprofits. Below are 12 events, ranging from exercises classes to concerts to bake sales, that are popping up in support of Australia. And with something to fit almost every budget, everyone can get involved.
Relief Run — Saturday, January 18
People around the world are running this weekend in support of the Australian Red Cross: Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. One-hundred percent of the $50 entry fee goes directly to the nonprofit. Austinites can choose a 5K or a 13.1-mile course, both of which begin at Walsh Boat Landing and end at Abel’s on the Lake for a post-run party. Runners of the 5K begin at 3:30 pm, half-marathon runners begin at 2 pm. To enter, go here.
Austin to Australia at Fairweather Cider — Sunday, January 19
From 2-5 pm, head to Fairweather Cider where 100 percent of proceeds (plus any donations) will go directly to New South Wales and Victoria firefighters and WIRES Wildlife Rescue (basically all the boots on the ground). Drink cider, sip wine, have a pizza, and do good.
Wild hearts for the Wildfires in Australia at Runaway Luna — Saturday, January 25
Show your love and have a latte at Runaway Luna. This Bee Caves coffeeshop will be baking up Aussie meat pies and hosting a silent auction. Go for the coffee, but stay for the live music and the kiddos playing Aussie-rules football. And if you’d like to add something to their silent auction, contact them stat.
Fundraiser for Australia at Last Stand Brewing — Sunday, January 26
Let’s make a real stand at Last Stand Brewing. Join them on Australia Day from noon to 7 pm for a fundraiser, also benefitting WIRES. Because #texasforever, the brewery is donating $1 of every Texas Forever pint sold to the charity. Drink up, kids.
Aussie Day at Little Darlin’ — Sunday, January 26
Little Darlin’ always knows how to put the fun in Sunday Funday, but January 26 is particularly special. Head to Little Darlin’ for Australia Day, where all proceeds from the event will be donated directly to the Red Cross AU and World Wildlife Fund AU. Enjoy face painting and a silent auction featuring tons of donations from folks like Johnson's Backyard Garden, Fixe Southern House, Kinda Tropical, Barley Swine, and more. Live music by The Joe Jacksons and Mili & Bertie starts at 12:30 pm.
Charitable Cheese Day at Antonelli’s Cheese — Wednesday, January 29
Every month, Antonelli’s Cheese spotlights a nonprofit and donates 5 percent of shop revenue, online revenue, and ticket sales for the tasting that evening. Though the shop usually selects a local nonprofit, this month they’re sending those dollars to the World Wildlife Fund-Australia to assist with bushfire relief. Stop by during store hours to buy cheese since the evening's tasting class has already booked up.
Fundraising rides at LOVE Cycling Studio — Wednesday, January 29, and Saturday, February 1
Sweat it out and feel the love at LOVE Cycling Studio with instructors Bryan Gonzales and Megan Knight. The duo is hosting four fundraising rides to raise money for WIRES. But that’s not all. Afterward, guests can stay for a post-class happy hour, sponsored by Outdoor Voices, Independence Brewing Co., Austin Eastciders, and FIX Vodka.
Barracuda Austin presents: A Down Under Benefit — Thursday, January 30
A who's who of Austin performers hits Barracuda for a benefit in support of the Australian Red Cross Bushfire Relief. A $10 donation secures your ticket to see Mobley, Los Coast, Jackie Venson, Walker Lukens, Darkbird, Abram Shook, Teddy Glass, Fanclub, The Blowies, and Christine Renne. The event kicks off at 7 pm and also includes a raffle, screen printing by Fine Southern Gentlemen, and cupcakes by Purebread Bakery.
Kirtan for Australia — Friday, January 31
Mind Body Music Center is launching monthly kirtans and their initial event is dedicated to raising awareness for wildlife rescue efforts in Australia and to encourage donations to VetsForCompassion.org. The musical tradition of a Kirtan is call-and-response singing from devotional practices of South Asia to help amplify intentions. Join them from 7:30-9 pm at the South Congress space to take part.
10th Annual Citywide Bake Sale: Austin Bakes for Australia— Saturday, February 1
The city will be a little bit sweeter on February 1 as all the best bakers in Austin join force for the 10th Annual Citywide Bake Sale. This year, 100 percent of profits go directly to Australia disaster relief. Location is still TBD and the organization is actively looking for volunteers to do just about everything, including baking, so sign up here. T-shirts are also available for sale online.
Sunset Disco benefitting Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors — Saturday, February 15
Dance and donate at the first Sunset Disco of the year put on by Keep It Quiet, located at 78 Rainey Street. This day-into-night silent party runs from 4-10 pm, and features disco-house tunes from HarveyBombay. Entry is free, but alcohol is available for purchase and a percentage of all bar sales will go to Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors.
Buy the cutest koala pins with Name Pinding — anytime
Bust out that jean jacket and proudly wear this koala pin that Austin's own Name Pinding dreamed up. They’re adorable enamel pins, inscribed with the phrase, “Hang in there," and selling for $10 each. All profits will be split between the Australian Red Cross and WIRES Wildlife Rescue.