Locals with connections to Australia raising funds for wildfire relief efforts

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The World Wildlife Fund in Australia estimates 1.4 billion animals may have been killed directly or indirectly from fires that have scorched the country. Environmental scientists said it could take decades for many of the bushland, forests and parks to recover.

The fires, which have been blazing since September, have killed 26 people, destroyed 2,000 homes and scorched an area twice the size of the state of Maryland. They are fueled by drought and the country's hottest, driest year on record.

Around the world in Cincinnati, people are watching and wondering how they can help. Two women who were born and raised in Australia are now working to raise awareness and money.

Fiona Shaw immigrated to the United States from New South Wales two years ago. Claire Stewart came from Melbourne a decade ago. The families of the women are in Australia and have their belongings packed in case they have to evacuate.

Stewart is raising her son Felix to understand where she grew up.

"I just love animals and I love kangaroos and I love koalas. I just don't know what to say," said Felix Siegel.

The latest lesson about the devastating wildfires is hard for him and for her to comprehend.

“What really hits home is I’m not there and I can’t help," said Stewart.

Stewart said bush fires happen every year, but these are unlike any she can remember.

“So when people are showing those pictures of the sky turning pink and orange and red, I remember that as a child having grown up in a bush suburb," said Stewart.

Motivated by the devastation, Stewart is hosting an event with her group the Red Hot Dancing Queen at Below Zero Lounge to help her home country. It will be on Jan. 26 -- Australia Day. Tea and "bikkies," or cookies, will be served and Australian culture will be celebrated.

In Lebanon, Steve and Fiona Shaw are doing what they can too, running to raise money. The marathoners plan to donate all their milage to WIRES Australian Wildlife Rescue Organisation.

Back in October, the couple visited Fiona's family in New South Wales.

"My family is safe, which I'm thankful for; it's a blessing," said Fiona.

The state is in the heart of the fires. The couple hiked in mountains that are now on fire.

"I've seen the animals. I've chased them around the fields and asked 'What is that?' and once you have that bond, it's more than just a picture. It's real life," said Steve.

For Shaw and Stewart, seeing the koalas, kangaroos, birds and other wildlife they grew up with trapped in flames hurts.

"When I see the pictures of all those little babies, those little joeys that have lost their moms, it's really disheartening. It's really sad," said Shaw.

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