Élysée Collective and World Resorts of Distinction (WRD) have joined forces to launch Australian Spirit Soars, a silent auction in aid of the devastating bushfires that have wreaked havoc to the country's rural communities and native wildlife.

Teaming up with their band of exceptional clients, many of which are shared between Élysée Collective WRD  as PR and Sales & Marketing clients respectively, , the two week initiative will continue until 5pm on Monday, 27 January, with all proceeds being directed to WIRES Wildlife Rescue who are working tirelessly to help save and protect Australia's animals.

“The travel industry is a close knit one, both in Australia and around the world. In light of these tragic events our country have faced, we've been amazed at the support shown from around the world to help our nation in this time of crisis,” Élysée Collective Director Alice Moore said.

The environment and climate change is something very much at the heart of the travel companies involved.

“Our beloved country is burning and its inhabitants are choking. More than 250 metric tonnes of CO2, half our annual output, have been emitted as a result of these fires, making the effect on our planet, animals and the environment catastrophic. We are beyond grateful our travel industry friends from around the world are so eager to help in any way they can,” WRD CEO Tess Willcox said.

Presently 15 luxury travel packages - with more anticipated to come on board - have been contributed to the auction by some of the world's most esteemed resorts, hotels and lodges including Aman, Soneva, Raes on Wategos, Nihi Sumba, Bawah Reserve, Vakkaru Maldives, Tokoriki Island Resort, Resplendent Ceylon, Sinalei Reef Resort and many more.

Examples available include a 5-night stay at Soneva Fushi or Soneva Kiri, a 2-night stay at Raes on Wategos, a 5-night stay at Nihi Sumba and a 5-night stay at Bawah Reserve.

Packages vary in value from USD $690 to USD$22,000 USD. Terms and Conditions apply.

Since launching less than 24 hours ago, the auction has raised more than USD$20,000

For information on the auction and how to bid, https://www.32auctions.com/AustralianSpiritSoars

 ABOUT WIRES |

In WIRES history they have never seen a concurrent series of emergencies events like those that began in the latter half of 2019. Hundreds of fires over weeks have burnt over 6 million hectares of land in NSW alone. Many animals were already struggling with a lack of water and food due to the drought. With the fires destroying unprecedented amounts of habitat, food shortages have increased, and lack of suitable habitat will be a significant long-term challenge for surviving wildlife.

Summer is a frantically busy time for wildlife rescue and there are still over 100 fires burning in NSW. In December alone there were over 20,000 calls to WIRES 1300 line, a 14% increase on last year, and volunteers attended over 3,300 rescues.

• ends -

For further information please contact Élysée Collective or World Resorts of Distinction

Alice Moore | alice@elyseecollective.com.au | 0402 693 366

Tess Wilcox | tess@wrd.com.au | +61 7 5525 7477