To our Wandering Educator community,

For the past few months, we’ve all witnessed the horrors of the Australian bushfires. Like you, it hurts our hearts to see all the devastation. Australia is our 2nd home and a place near and dear to our hearts. The husband was born there and grew up there. Together, we lived in Melbourne for a time, return often, and our friends and family are scattered around the country. The bushfires have been raging since September and even with the courage, bravery, tenacity, and perseverance of so many, the impact will be felt for years to come. We want to help. 

We have set up fundraising pages for both WIRES Wildlife Rescue (in New South Wales) and Wildlife Victoria (in Victoria). These pages are directly through the platforms of the organization - your donation goes directly to them. For those looking for ways to donate and help the native Australian wildlife recover from the bushfires - WIRES and Wildlife Victoria are on the ground, local, and are constantly working to better the lives of koalas, kangaroos, and all of their mates.

We've also put together a fundraising event in San Diego - if you're here, please join us. The event, Yoga for Bushfire Relief, will be held on Thursday evening, the 30th of January at The Prado at Balboa Park. It is 100% donation-based. You can find all of the information as well as the fundraising links through Eventbrite. If you can make the class - we'd love to see you and if you can't, for whatever reason, know that your donation, without question, makes a difference. 

We lived in Long Beach, NY during Hurricane Sandy. Amidst all the destruction, what we remember most is the help that came from far and wide. That help made an incredible difference in every way. We’ve again watched as the even bigger global community has come together to help people, property, land, livestock, organizations and native animals in a big way. Help has come in all forms - it’s beautiful to see. We want to be a part of that help and know you do too. While we can’t all head into the flames to rescue, we can help. Donate what you can to reputable organizations, and if you can, when the time is right - go visit. Spend your time in the communities, at the wildlife sanctuaries and around a country that holds our heart. 

With gratitude, 
Stacey & Mat (an Aussie and one at heart)

Stacey Ebert, our Educational Travels Editor, is a traveler at heart who met her Australian-born husband while on a trip in New Zealand. Stacey was an extracurricular advisor and taught history in a Long Island public high school for over fifteen years, enjoying both the formal and informal educational practices. After a one year 'round the world honeymoon, travel and its many gifts changed her perspective. She has since left the educational world to focus on writing and travel. She is energetic and enthusiastic about long term travel, finding what makes you happy and making the leap. In her spare time she is an event planner, yogi, dark chocolate lover, and spends as much time as possible with her toes in the sand.

Check out her website at thegiftoftravel.wordpress.com for more of her travel musings.