The catastrophic wildfires that have been burning Australia for months have had a devastating impact, with more than a billion animals thought to have died.

One-third of New South Wales’ entire koala population has been wiped out. Habitats have been charred. Critical feeding areas have been lost, and ecologists have serious concerns about the future of the country’s wildlife.The international community has been quick to respond with people from all over the world donating to charities and organisations involved in rescue and conservation efforts.
The latest group to get involved is Koalas of NYC, who launched a cute campaign in New York this week by spreading stuffed koalas around the city. Attached to the koalas’ paws are little notes explaining how people can donate to the GoFundMe page.It’s an initiative from the New York office of the Australian creative agency Cummins & Partners, to spread the word about the bushfires and raise money.
All proceeds will go to the charity WIRES, the largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation charity in Australia, staffed entirely by volunteers.

So far this bushfire season 28 people have died, including brave volunteer firefighters and more than 100 fires are still burning across Australia.
For ways to help, see here.