Tech industry raises millions for Victoria bushfire victims

The offers span from cash to free hardware and software to both the communities affected by the Victorian bushfires and the organisations supporting them.

Co-ordinated by the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA) with the support of Computers Off Australia and the Australian Computer Society, the industry-wide response will include the provision of free, fully operational computers to families and small businesses in need.

"Technology is critical to accessing essential services and redeveloping the productivity in these communities," said Russell Yardley Chair of the AIIA Fire Response Steering Committee.

"Through this initiative, companies from across the Australian ICT industry will also provide the expertise required to ensure the best outcomes are achieved as quickly as possible."

According to Yardley, the Victorian ICT industry has already volunteered support through more than 30 different companies, ranging from multinational corporations to small local enterprises.

AIIA CEO Ian Birks said its aim is to provide affected people and businesses with the tools and infrastructure required to reconnect their communities.

"This is a long-term commitment and the ICT industry has signaled it will stand by these communities as basic services are restored," he said.

AIIA has partnered with the national not-for-profit Infoxchange Australia to create a website facility that will match the needs of people and businesses with the service and support offered by Australian ICT companies.

Meanwhile, networking vendor D-Link also announced today that it is donating $20,000 to assist the victims of the Victorian bushfires and hopes to raise an additional $10, 000 by the end of the month. 

According to the vendor, it will donate 50c for every product sold in Australia in February, beginning with an immediate payment of $20,000 to the Australian Red Cross.

D-Link expects to raise sales of between 60,000 to 70,000 units in total. The final tally is expected to exceed $30,000.

"The staff of D-Link and their families send their most heartfelt wishes to all those affected by this tragic event," said Domenic Torre managing director, A/NZ  at D-Link.

"We are thinking of them in their time of need and we want to assist in some way financially to help them recover after this devastating event."

D-Link joined industry heavy weights Ingram Micro and Telsta who have both announced major contributions.

On Wednesday, Ingram Micro organised a 'Casual Clothes Wednesday' for employees to take part in a non-uniform day in exchange for a cash donation. All monies raised will go towards the Red Cross Appeal for victims of the Bush fires in Victoria.

Meanwhile, Telstra contributed a cash payment of $500, 000 to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, as well as matching dollar for dollar personal contributions made by Telstra employees up to $250,000.

Bluechip Infotech has also extended a helping hand by today announcing it will contribute a proportion of its sales proceeds for the next two days to the Australian Red Cross Appeal.