Matthews Australasia has more than doubled its initial target to support wildlife impacted by the recent bushfires in Australia, from $10,000 to $25,000.
The funds are going to WIRES, which rescues and cares for wildlife in NSW with more than 2500 volunteers in 28 branches. WIRES has been caring for wildlife for more than 30 years.
Matthews CEO Mark Dingley said the company exceeded its donation target within 48 hours of starting the initiative.
“We were very proud of the way our own and our supplier teams got behind this staff-driven initiative – it was indicative of how communities across Australia have banded together in this time of crisis,” he said.
Dingley said organisations from the US, Sweden and Poland also made donations.
“We asked for small amounts – which we matched – but the responses were all very generous,” he said.
Dingley said the company-wide fundraising initiative began with Matthews donating $5,000 to WIRES, then matching all staff and supplier partner donations, dollar for dollar.
“In just the first 24 hours, staff donations alone were at $2175. By the second day, the total had exceeded $10,000 and now we’re at $25,000,” he said.
“I’m so proud of our team for their concern and sympathy for all involved in the fires. As one staff member said, ‘this support will help ensure future generations will actually get to see wildlife in the wild’.”
WIRES has committed to distributing funds raised nationally to areas most in need.
