It’s nearly Valentine’s Day, and what better occasion to express your love? This year, it’s not just your usual paramour who would benefit from a romantic gesture. Small businesses and primary producers all over the country have been devastated by the current bushfire crisis and are badly in need of help.
Show them a little love with our bushfire recovery gift guide. Every item listed below is either produced by someone who has suffered losses in the fires, or contributes money to recovery efforts. Sometimes, even both.
So, get shopping and show your loved one how much you care.
Candles
Set the mood with a Beloved Scents candle, from the South Coast of NSW. Made from soy wax and perfumed with Australian natives like Kakadu Plum, Beloved Scents are giving $1 from every candle to help injured wildlife in the Shoalhaven region.
Cards
Tell someone you love them with a unique handprinted card. Created on vintage printing presses, The Press Shop makes bespoke stationery for every occasion. They’re based in Bowral in the Southern Highlands, which has been impacted by fires since late November. Tourist season became a mass evacuation, and this beautiful little shop is feeling the pinch. See their work over at Instagram: @bespokepress.
Flowers
It’s not Valentine’s Day without a big bunch of red roses — or is it? This year don’t import your Valentine’s Day roses from Ecuador or Kenya. Stay local to support florists who have been hard hit.
Not sure where to start?
The Just Cause Bunch are donating all of their profits during this quarter to bushfire relief efforts. Pick one of their bundles, which include a gorgeous bouquet of either roses or native Australian flowers, plus a bottle of champagne and scented candle to set the scene for romance.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a Valentine’s Day classic, and you can’t do better than the artisan offerings at Chocolate No. 5. Chocolatier Sarina lost her family farm in the Cudlee Creek bushfires, which, combined with lower tourist numbers in the Adelaide Hills, has meant this small business is having a super tough time. Check out her beautiful range at www.chocolateno5.com.au.
Toiletries
Romantic dinner planned? Arrive fresh and sweet smelling thanks to a Lush limited edition soup called All The Wild Things. Shaped like an adorable koala and scented with eucalyptus and lemongrass, the money from your purchase will go to Lush’s Bush Animal Fund. This issues grants to eligible organisations to use both in the midst of this ecological emergency, and for long-term projects.
Pamper your loved one with a beauty box made from the honey of rare Ligurian bees. Kangaroo Island Stall 17 has put together some gorgeous gift packs from Kangaroo Island producers who have been heavily struck by the devastating fires across the island, including indulgent moisturisers and face creams. Kangaroo Island is home to the only pure colony of Ligurian bees in the world, making these products extra special. See more at kionline.com.au.
Jewellery
Add some sparkle to your evening with the Thomas Sabo iconic Koala charm and limited edition Koala necklace. Made of sterling silver with black enamel eyes, these lovely pieces are a true collector’s item. The entire proceeds of sale will go to the WIRES emergency fund to help rescue wildlife across the country. Funds will also go to ensuring that future generations of Australians will get to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
Want something different? Check out the range at Onatah Jewellery, based in Narooma on the NSW South Coast. With tourist traffic significantly down in this heavily bushfire affected area, it could use your support. Check out their delicate filigree work and unique gold pieces today.
Wine
Vineyards across the country have been hit hard by the bushfires. Even producers who escaped the fires themselves are now coping with smoke taint that is likely to see the harvest go to waste.
Turon Wines in the Adelaide Hills managed to save their Lobethal winery from the recent Cudlee Creek fire but lost the rest of their property in doing so. Their vegan-friendly, minimalist style has seen them win several awards, so why not pick up a few bottles today?
Weekend Away
Tourism is vital for these regional economies to rebuild after the bushfires, which is why South Australia Tourism have created an initiative to help bring tourism back to the affected areas, so together let’s #BookThemOut.
Why not plan a romantic weekend away? Or even better, get a group of friends and explore Australia’s backyard. You could tour with a local guide, meet the wildlife, buy the local produce, spirits and wine and stay a few nights. So much of the Adelaide Hills and Kangaroo Island look exactly as you’d expect, pristine, pure and perfect.
The resilience, bravery and passion of this great nation knows no bounds. Share your love for Australia today.