TORONTO -- As entire swaths of Australia are ravaged by wildfires, there are several ways Canadians can help support the evacuees, firefighters or wildlife.

The deadly fires have been raging since September and have burned away nearly 5 million hectares. They鈥檝e claimed 24 lives and destroyed almost 2,000 homes across three states.

Thousands of firefighters and volunteers, including several teams from Canada, have been called in to help douse and contain the fires. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has faced strong criticism for his actions but he鈥檚 defended his government's record on climate change.

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Here is how Canadians can help those affected by the wildfires:

HOW TO HELP EVACUEES

  • The is helping thousands in evacuation and recovery centres, as well as providing training and equipment to volunteers
  • Donating to the and will help the group provide meal and support to evacuees and frontline responders
  • A has been set up to help displaced First Nations communities needing to rebuild
  • The is raising money to go towards communities in need
  • The non-profit is allowing people to donate goods such as food or toiletries, as well as money
  • , one of the largest hunger-relief charities in the country, is collecting funds for supplies
  • If you鈥檙e living abroad in Australia, you can also list your home as
  • The is collecting donations to help victims rebuild their lost homes


HOW TO HELP FIREFIGHTERS

Australia wildfires

  • People can donate to support firefighters on the frontline via donation pages for:
  • , Victoria's , Queensland鈥檚 and the
  • Canadians can also donate money to help fundraising efforts for the this year


HOW TO HELP WILDLIFE

Kangaroo Island

  • Donating money towards the will help injured animals and eventually restore their homes
  • Giving funds to will help inspectors respond to animals in need of leaving disaster zones, as well as protect livestock affected by fires
  • The is also looking for donations to help thousands of marsupials
  • The , which was hit hard by the wildfires, is also collecting donations to help treat and care for injured animals
  • is also collecting money to help the country鈥檚 at-risk fauna

With files from The Associated Press