GFG Alliance Executive Chairman makes global bushfire relief appeal

Media release > 13th January, 2020
Sanjeev Gupta
  • Sanjeev Gupta launches global fire relief appeal to support bush fire affected people and recovery across Australia
  • Mr Gupta has pledged to match eligible donations from GFG Alliance employees and encourages business partners and customers from around the world to donate to a bushfire relief charity.

GFG Alliance Executive Chairman, Sanjeev Gupta is rallying the global GFG Family of employees, business partners and customers to give generously in response to Australia’s bushfire crisis.

Mr Gupta personally donated $250,000 to the Wollondilly Mayoral Fund South West of Sydney to assist in the rebuild in December, and during his Christmas message committed to matching the total raised by his 35,000 employees in 35 countries around the globe.

On Christmas Eve, Mr Gupta and his wife visited the bushfire affected towns of Bargo and Tahmoor in the Wollondilly Shire south of Sydney, seeing firsthand the devastating impact of Australia’s bushfires. One of GFG Alliance’s businesses, the SIMEC Coking Coal Mine located south of Tahmoor, was impacted by recent fires however lost no critical infrastructure.

“It was a sobering moment to witness the aftermath of the fires and their impact on local communities but in a display of true human spirit everyone came together to support emergency services and to help those who lost their homes and property,” Mr Gupta said.

“Our iron ore operations in the Middleback Ranges near Whyalla in South Australia were also impacted by fires. Thankfully, everyone was safe, and no critical infrastructure was lost.

“I can’t thank the emergency services teams enough for their tremendous work under extreme conditions as well as local volunteers supporting the bushfire efforts.

“Australians are facing a very difficult time with fires burning relentlessly across the country which has captured the attention of the world. I have been contacted by a number of our people from across our businesses wanting to support affected colleagues and their communities. Their generosity motivated me to launch this appeal. Australia is very special to me and my family, and I want to do what I can to help,” Mr Gupta said.

The GFG Family as well as business partners and customers are invited to contribute to the Bushfire Appeal by donating to any registered Australian charity supporting the bushfire response.

In order for employees to have their donation matched, a donor must submit their receipt / proof of donation to the GFG Foundation website https://www.gfgfoundation.org/ausbushfirerelief/

Mr Gupta said he will personally match the funding that the GFG employee group raises. The additional money matched by Mr Gupta will be personally donated to and managed by the GFG Foundation, which will work directly with leading charities and on-the-ground community organisations in bushfire affected areas to assist those in need.

“I want to make sure the money gets to where it is needed. The funds will be disbursed by the GFG Foundation to relevant charities and organisations that are working closely with affected communities where we operate and directly impacted by the fires, ensuring support for families, small businesses, disadvantaged individuals and young people who are most in need to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

“Importantly, the GFG Foundation will do what it can to prioritise the needs of Fire Service volunteers who have been impacted by the fires,” Mr Gupta said.

To be eligible for Sanjeev’s donation matching:

  • An employee donation must have been made to a registered Australian Charity that is specifically supporting the current bushfire crisis.
  • Only donations from current GFG employees, are eligible
  • Proof of donation showing the eligible charity, amount and date of donation must be provided and submitted to the GFG Foundation through their website.

For more information on eligible registered Australian charities please visit the National Bushfire Recovery Agency which has a list of charities with bushfire appeals: https://pmc.gov.au/registered-bushfire-charities

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Luke O’Donnell
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