Deeply moved by the terrible plight of the victims of the South Australian bushfires, Narrabri local Russell Everson is rolling up his sleeves and doing his bit to help out.
The local businessman and owner of Narrabri Limo Service will gather food and supplies around town before making the long journey in his van down south to Adelaide Hills on Thursday.
Russell, who has given $1000 to his cause will be counting on other donations from the local community who also want to lend a hand.
It comes in the wake of a large number of dogs and cats that died in a fire that swept through a boarding kennel in the Adelaide Hills area.
The owners of the ‘Tea Tree Gully Boarding Kennels and Cattery’ used social media to share the news that, while firefighters managed to save more than 40 dogs, a large number also perished and no cats survived when the cattery was destroyed.
The owners said they were devastated by the loss of their home, business and people's pets and had been working to contact pet owners individually.
“I’ve been in contact with a few people down there in the affected areas,” said Russell.
“They have told me that there is plenty of supplies being donated to people but not much for animals.
“The next few days I will be going around and collecting animal food and then leaving early Thursday morning.”
Specialist teams are racing against time to assess areas damaged by bushfires in the Adelaide Hills this week as fire crews prepare for deteriorating weather conditions expected to hit again tomorrow.
South Australia Police have now confirmed 13 homes have been destroyed in the fire, one more than previously thought, but that number is expected to rise to more than 30.
Anyone wanting to make a contribution to Russell’s cause can ring him on 0428423262 or his collection point at 16 Yeran Street Narrabri.