The organisers of Falls Festival have managed to raise almost $120,000 for the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, having sold out over 1,200 Bush Fire Relief New Year’s Eve tickets.
The fundraising was part of an ongoing initiative which will continue on site for the duration of the festival, with all proceeds going to communities affected by the recent fires via the Red Cross.
In addition to forcing the festival’s Lorne event to relocate to Mount Duneed Estate near Torquay, Victoria’s Christmas Day bushfires destroyed 116 homes in the Surf Coast region.
“The money donated will go to support Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery work with the communities affected by the catastrophic Surf Coast bushfires,” said Penny Harrison, Australian Red Cross Executive Director for Victoria.
“Recovery from a disaster of any scale can be a long and difficult process, taking months and sometimes years. Our staff and volunteers will be there providing support and advice for as long as it is needed.”
In a statement, Falls Co-Producer Jessica Ducrou said, “Our hearts are broken for those in the area affected by this disaster. We will continue to work with residents, councils and local businesses to do everything we can to help get our community back on its feet.”
Meanwhile, Falls acts Dune Rats and Courtney Barnett have pledged to donate any profits from merchandise sales at Falls Festival to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Readers wishing to donate can do so via the Red Cross website.
