The Broker Bushfire Appeal was launched earlier this week to mobilise the mortgage broking industry to come to the aid of those affected by the fires raging through much of the country. The goal is to raise $100,000, with donations going directly to the Red Cross. With the support of the FBAA, MFAA, 1st Street Financial, Shore Financial and Astute among others, the initiative has raised $35,000 at the time of writing.
Contributions can be made at: https://fundraise.redcross.org.au/fundraiser/mortgagebrokersaustralia
FBAA
The FBAA has not only thrown its support behind the Broker Bushfire Appeal, but has expressed a desire to directly help brokers personally impacted by the disaster.
Managing director Peter White compared the broking sector to a family, explaining that families look to meet each others' needs wholly and speedily when troubles arises.
“I recognise there are many wonderful appeals across the country, and we didn’t hesitate to be a part of the broader campaign launched by brokers, but we also know that in many cases, it takes time for appeal money to get to those in need – and some needs are immediate," he explained.
“Across the country right now, there will be finance and mortgage brokers who have lost property or maybe even worse, and we want to stand with them and support them personally.”
White listed office accommodation, housing, personal items and mental health support among the possible needs the FBAA is looking to meet across the entire broker community, not only within its own association.
“Our message to brokers across Australia is to contact the FBAA immediately if you have been affected, or if you know another broker who has been,” he added.
“This is a time to be an industry not an association, and the broking fraternity share a special bond and understanding. This is a shout out to all brokers everywhere.”
Liberty Financial
Liberty has donated $250,000 towards supporting the people and communities affected by the bushfires.
According to CEO James Boyle, the safety and wellbeing of customers is first and foremost.
“We will do whatever we can to help customers who are dealing with the aftermath of the fires,” he said.
“We are conscious the road to recovery can be a long one for communities affected by disasters, and this donation will help provide immediate and practical assistance including psychological first aid and shelter.”
Liberty contributed to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery fund, helping equip emergency teams with necessary resources, contributing to the cost of volunteer training, equipment and transport as well as the coordination effort to ensure help is directed where the community needs it most.
Further, Liberty is encouraging its staff, family, customers and business partners to join in support of the cause, matching contributions up to a further $100,000.
“The message to our customers is that we are here to help, just call us,” said Boyle.
ALI Group
Mortgage protection insurance provider ALI Group also announced they will donate a share of their January and February 2020 profits to those impacted by the bushfire crisis.
For each Loan and Mortgage Protection Plan policy arranged by an authorised broker from 1 January to the end of February, ALI will donate $50. The group expects to donate over $50,000 which will be distributed to a range of volunteer and emergency fire service organisations.
ALI Group CEO Huy Truong said, “Our hearts go out to those being directly impacted, including many of our authorised brokers and policyholders residing in the affected regional areas.
“We wish to show our support and financial aid to those who are working around the clock, risking their own lives to battle these fires.”
Click here to give to the mortgage broker bushfire appeal
