How HSBC is helping in the bushfire crisis

Since October 2019, severe bushfires have burned continuously over many parts of Australia, creating an urgent crisis for the country. Today, HSBC Australia has outlined a number of measures it will take to support the disaster response.

"We have all watched with deep sadness as Australia has suffered through these bushfires, which have devastated communities and severely damaged natural environments and wildlife populations," said Alpa Bhattacharjee, Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC Australia.

"With our long-standing commitment to Australia, HSBC wants to play its part. Today, we are introducing a number of measures, including contributions to disaster relief, employee volunteering arrangements and special measures to support affected customers and employees," she said.

• HSBC is introducing a range of measures to support clients affected by bushfires, including deferrals for loan repayments and credit line increases. Further detail available here.
• HSBC Australia will donate AUD200,000 from its Global Disaster Relief Fund to bushfire relief efforts. AUD100,000 will be donated to the Australian Red Cross to provide funding for immediate on-the-ground support for impacted communities and individuals. AUD100,000 will be donated to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia to provide emergency funding for injured wildlife and to support habitat restoration.
• HSBC Australia will match global employee donations towards bushfire relief efforts, with matched contributions going to the Australian Red Cross and WWF Australia.
• HSBC Australia employees who are volunteers with emergency services organisations such as the Rural Fire Service will be given uncapped paid leave for all time spent volunteering.