Bushfire appeals raise $10 million

(AAP) - Ordinary Australians are digging deep, donating nearly $10 million in less than a day to a fund for victims of Victoria's bushfires.

Premier John Brumby launched the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund in conjunction with
the Red Cross and federal government on Monday to help individuals and communities
affected by devastating bushfires.
A statement from the Red Cross said that at 6.30pm (AEDT) on Monday, the fund had
received $7.9 million from more than 45,500 website and phone donations.
Similarly, the Salvation Army's bushfire appeal had received $2 million in just one
day, and expected it to hit $3 million by Tuesday.
"We've cracked the $2 million mark. It's an unprecedented outpouring of goodwill
never seen before in our living memories," Salvation Army spokesman Pat Daley said.
"It's really touched a nerve in the Australian community."
Big businesses has pledged more, with Tabcorp leading the donations at $2 million.
The country's four big banks - ANZ, Commonwealth, National Australia and Westpac -
have contributed $1 million each.
Many companies, including Telstra, which has so far pledged $500,000, are also
donating services, such as free phone diversions.
Australia's sporting organisations are also getting involved.
An appeal will run throughout Tuesday night's one-day cricket international between
Australia and New Zealand in Adelaide, while revenue from tickets sold to the game
from Monday onwards will be donated to a Commonwealth Bank Appeal.
The Australian players will donate all their match fees from the fixture to the
bushfire appeal, while Cricket Australia has contributed $100,000 and the South
Australian Cricket Association has pledged $25,000.
The AFL has rescheduled a pre-season Cup clash between the Western Bulldogs and
Essendon from Darwin to Melbourne on Friday night, with all proceeds to go to the
Victorian government's appeal fund.
The Nine Network will hold a telethon on Thursday night to raise funds. It will be
hosted by Eddie McGuire.
Meanwhile, legendary singer Leonard Cohen, Paul Kelly, AEGLive UK and The Frontier
Touring Company have announced their intention to donate $200,000.
Cohen and Kelly are currently touring Australia, performing their final concert on
Tuesday night in Melbourne.
* Donations to the Red Cross fund can be made using a secure online donations form
or by phoning 1800 811 700.
* Donations to the Salvation Army fund can be made by calling 13 72 58 or via
salvos.org.au