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The lives you change. The hope you bring in times of crisis.

Your support enables the Red Cross to provide crucial aid to communities long after major disasters, reaching forgotten areas like Britano, Vanuatu. Following a devastating earthquake on 17 December, Britano faced immense challenges. Community leader Andrew Nayo described the loss of homes, livelihoods, and tragically, lives. The 130-house community lost access to clean water when their main pipe was destroyed, reducing taps to a mere dribble. Residents often had to walk up to 15 kilometers to access water that was unfortunately unsafe and contaminated, contributing to health challenges such as diarrhoea and scabies.

While initial aid focused on Vanuatu's capital, Britano feared neglect. The Vanuatu Red Cross was the first to arrive, conducting health assessments and distributing emergency water. They quickly facilitated the installation of two 6,000-liter water tanks, providing the community with vital clean water. Chief John shared his heartfelt thanks, saying, "The Red Cross were the first ones to come and give us water... they helped wipe away the tears so we could walk into the future." This support offered not just water, but renewed hope to a community feeling abandoned.

Vanuatu Red Cross Society team members unload aid deliveries and donated goods. Photo: IFRC

Your investment can help give hope to people living in the most disaster-stricken region.

The Asia-Pacific is the world's most disaster-prone region, where communities often face successive calamities with little time to recover. Your consistent support is crucial, providing connection, comfort, and practical help before, during, and after disasters strike.

Recent months have highlighted this urgency. A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar on 28 March, 2025, near Mandalay, killing over 3,759 people and injuring 5,100. This disaster intensified an existing crisis of political instability and conflict, leaving 18 million already vulnerable people without clean water, shelter, or emergency care. Australian Red Cross, in partnership with Myanmar Red Cross, is on the ground providing first aid, rescue, emergency supplies, and family reunification, restoring vital water and sanitation.

Just a few months earlier, on 17 December, 2024, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake stuck Vanuatu, affecting 80,000 people and displacing over 2,000. Remote villages like Britano lost their only safe water source, forcing residents to trek 15km for contaminated water. The Vanuatu Red Cross was the first to respond, delivering emergency water and installing two 6,000-liter water tanks, bringing much-needed relief and hope to the community.

Your generosity ensures that Red Cross teams can respond immediately and remain in affected areas long after the initial headlines fade, addressing critical needs and empowering local communities to rebuild and prepare for future shocks. This ongoing support is vital for strengthening resilience in the face of increasing disaster frequency and severity.

A local Myanmar woman gathers clean water following an aid delivery, days after a devastating earthquake disrupted communities and access to basic necessities. Photo: Myanmar Red Cross

How your gift today makes a difference

An icon of a tap

$51

can provide a family facing disaster overseas with two jerry cans of clean water and a month’s supply of hygiene items.

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An icon of a spoon and a fork

$100

can provide 10 older people living in Australia with a high-quality meal with a side of social connection, delivered to their home by a volunteer.

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An icon of person wearing a telephone headset

$240

can provide a call to 60 older people living in Australia to check on their wellbeing and start the morning with an act of human connection.

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Vanuatu Red Cross load relief items for the response to the earthquake to help 1552 people with relief items - tarpaulins, shelter kits, kitchen sets and hygiene items. Photo: Vanuatu Red Cross

How your support helps communities recover and rebuild

Your support helps provide emotional care, practical aid, and long-term recovery assistance to disaster-affected communities, ensuring no one is left behind.

Last year alone:

70

emergency events were responded to by our teams.

51,686

people were supported through these emergency events through registration, psychological first aid and referrals to other support services.

1,462

emergency services staff and volunteers were deployed to emergency events all over the country. 

189

of the emergency services team members were deployed interstate, when further support was needed.

Impact numbers from Australian Red Cross July 2023–June 2024

“It’s been really hard being the chief of the community at this time. The Vanuatu Red Cross were the first ones to come and give us water. It’s the first time someone came here to help us.” When you see your child cry, you step in to help. Red Cross did the same to us and helped wipe away the tears so we could walk into the future.”

— Chief John

About your donation to Red Cross

Yes, donations of gifts over $2 are tax deductible in Australia. If you receive a material benefit for your donation then it is not tax deductible: for example, if you receive points or another material benefit from your credit card provider.

You will receive a receipt in your name.

Your donation will help Red Cross support the most vulnerable people in communities in Australia and across the world. Your gift will go to help wherever the needs are greatest. That could be: 

  • companionship for older people who are isolated and alone 
  • emotional and practical support to someone affected by a disaster 
  • emergency financial aid for a family who fled conflict overseas and is starting over 
  • and so much more.

Every year, in Australia, we help someone every 90 seconds. Here are some of the great things supporters like you made possible in the 2023/2024 financial year:

  • support for 213,000 people before, during and after disasters.
  • 78,401 hours of volunteers connecting with older and vulnerable people through our Telecross and Telechat programs.
  • much-needed support for more than 23,600 people from 129 countries through our migration support programs in Australia.
  • 43 Australian international aid workers were deployed to help in 22 countries.

If you donate a gift to an organisation classified as a ‘deductible gift recipient’ (like Australian Red Cross), you can claim a tax deduction on your tax return for that year for your donation. If you receive a material benefit for your donation then it is not tax deductible: for example, if you receive points or another material benefit from your credit card provider. Donating to a deductible gift recipient will likely reduce your overall taxable income, which in turn may reduce the amount of tax you are required to pay.

You must donate at least $2 and keep proof in the form of a receipt or bank statement. When you donate to Australian Red Cross, we’ll send you a tax receipt. The more you donate, the more you may claim back. Find out more »

Every day, people like you are helping to make a real difference in the lives of those who are vulnerable through our regular giving program.

Our regular givers support our work by automatically donating every four weeks, either by credit card or direct debit. Their ongoing support means we can be there for people facing crisis in Australia and beyond for years to come.

We would love to help you answer any questions. Please call 1800 733 276 or email contactus@redcross.org.au. For security reasons, don't include your credit card details in your email. 

Charity donations of $2 or more to Australian Red Cross may be tax deductible in Australia. Site protected by Google Invisible reCAPTCHA. © Australian Red Cross 2025. ABN 50 169 561 394