SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — Bush fires continue to ravage Australia and has taken the lives of people and millions of animals. It’s also left many in the bay area feeling hopeless wanting to help.
“It just seems relentless, it’s just not stopping,” said Rachel Wilson, the owner of Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor.
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It’s why they are showing Crocodile Dundee on Jan. 11, instead of the movie they originally planned to show. They want to help raise money to give to folks in Australia to take care of the animals fighting for their lives and habitat. All ticket proceeds will go toward relief efforts.
“Every time I scroll through social media and I see another animal crawling out of the fire infested dry land burning land, it breaks my heart and you just feel so helpless,” she said.
Giggle waters in Safety Harbor is known for it’s speak easy atmosphere, food and screening room in the back. Wilson has done fundraisers before but this one hits home because of her extended family living in Sydney.
“They send me pictures from outside their windows were you see beautiful blue skies, and now it is just a dark haze and they are all just praying for rain,” she said.
She showed us a picture from her family of the sun barely shining through the smoke. Her family is safe now, but says that could change.
“When you look at that map of Australia overlaid across America you see how widespread these fires are so being safe in this moment and not having a fire at your doorstep this moment isn’t a lot of comfort,” Wilson said.
Proceeds from a charity shot and 50/50 raffles will also go directly to RSPCA and WIRES in New South Wales - two organizations that help rehab injured animals.
“The solution is bigger than any of us but you find a place to pitch in and you try,” said Wilson.
She says if you can’t make any of the five showings or stop by for a shot you can always stop by another day to give a donation.
For more information, or screening times, click here.
