ALI pledges profit share to bushfire aid

Through their network of over 4,000 brokers, ALI expect to donate over $50,000, which will be distributed to a range of volunteer and emergency fire service organisations across affected states.

ALI Group CEO Huy Truong expressed his sympathies for those impacted by the fires in the affected regional areas.

“The ALI team and I have been watching the bushfire tragedy unfold over the Christmas and New Year period,” Mr Truong said.

“The devastation to homes, lives, livestock, flora and fauna is at a scale unprecedented. 

“Our hearts go out to those being directly impacted, including many of our authorised brokers and policyholders residing in the affected regional areas.”

He continued: “We wish to show our support and financial aid to those who are working around the clock, risking their own lives to battle these fires.”

Fundraising initiatives continue to grow

ALI is the latest of many industry groups who are taking action in support of all the individuals and communities affected by the ongoing bushfire crisis.

Several leading brokerages from across Australia – in tandem with aggregation groups and industry associations – have jointly launched a Broker Bushfire Appeal via the Red Cross, to help support those in need during the active bushfire emergencies. 

Since launching on 6 January, the appeal has raised over $27,000, and is aiming to achieve at least $100,000.

It is expected that this target will be extended as more sponsors come on board.

Many brokers are also individually doing their part to raise funds for the firefighters and emergency services fighting fires, including Birdie Wealth owner and broker Nathan Smith, who has pledged to match any Rural Fire Service donation made by members of his Facebook group, The Aviary, to a maximum combined donation of $5,000.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced this week that the federal government is establishing a $2-billion National Bushfire Recovery Agency, led by former Australian Police commissioner Andrew Colvin, to coordinate a national response to rebuild communities and livelihoods after the devastating fire front has passed.

The big four banks also recently announced million-dollar donation packages to support those facing bushfires, and several celebrities have also been actively donating money to the front lines in recent days. 

Australian comedian Celeste Barber launched a Facebook appeal for the NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigade last week, which has since raised more than $41 million. Australian actress Nicole Kidman and her singer husband Keith Urban, as well as US singer Pink, recently donated $500,000 to firefighters – while Golden Globe-winning actor Russel Crowe has also been actively supporting the fire services after being directly impacted by the fires near his property at Nana Glen, NSW.

There have been many fundraisers and appeals set up by charities, organisations and individuals as well as the Broker Bushfire Appeal, including:

• Red Cross
• Salvation Army
• NSW Rural Fire Service
• QLD Fire and Rescue
• SA Country Fire Service
• VIC Country Fire Authority
• Tasmania Fire Service
• Western Australia
• WWF
• AFCA bushfire disaster support

[Related: Brokers join forces to launch bushfire appeal]