As devastating bushfires ravaged many parts of Australia earlier this year, Oceaneering set out to raise funds for the Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) to aid the charity’s efforts to help local communities affected by the fires.
After holding a fundraising lunch, Oceaneering was able to donate AUD 15,750 to GERF. As of March 2020, GERF has collected more than AUD 10.4 million to date and distributed close to AUD 9 million to people and families impacted by the bushfires.
“The safety and wellbeing of our local communities are at the heart of our company’s core values, and we are delighted to provide help and support wherever possible,” said Brett Smith, Vice President – Asia Pacific, Oceaneering.
The fire season, which began late 2019 and into early 2020, was unforgiving with over 30 people killed. According to the UN, over 18 million hectares of land were burned across the country.