Chief Executive Officer of Anglo American’s Metallurgical Coal business, Tyler Mitchelson, said the donation was made through national not-for-profit GIVIT, to ensure every dollar goes to where it’s needed most.

“We recognise that many communities have been devastated by the recent fires and we wanted to play our part in providing assistance to those most in need,” Mr Mitchelson said.

“Our hope is that this donation will ensure those who have been worst-affected can access the items and services they need, particularly in the lead up to the holiday season.”

GIVIT CEO and Founder Juliette Wright said the Anglo American donation will go a long way to support local communities at this crucial time.

“These fires have been an unprecedented event in Queensland so we are incredibly thankful to Anglo American for this generous donation of $100,000. The funds will ensure immediate requests are met. And equally importantly, as residents return to their homes and loss is further understood, Anglo American’s donation will help impacted residents obtain exactly what’s required to help them recover over the long term.

“Imagine how many items GIVIT will be able to provide and the number of people we can help get back on their feet as a result of this Anglo American donation – a new mattress for an elderly lady sleeping on the floor, clothes for a man who lost his house and the entire contents, a fridge for a young mother who needs to feed her children.”

One hundred per cent of the donations will be used to support Queenslanders in fire-affected areas by providing exactly what they need when they need it most.

“GIVIT has a firm policy of buying locally whenever possible to support local communities as they rebuild.

“The needs of residents who have lost their homes will continue to change throughout the long recovery phase as people rebuild their lives. The best way to help is to through cash donations like this hugely generous one from Anglo American, so we can provide exactly what is needed while buying locally to support retailers in affected regions as they recover.’’

Mr Mitchelson also acknowledged the tireless work of emergency service workers and volunteers who battled the bushfires.

“I extend our sincere appreciation to Queensland’s emergency service workers and rural fire brigades – including members of our regional teams – who worked to limit the devastating impact of the fires and protect the people at risk,” he said.

In Australia, Anglo American has five metallurgical coal mines in the Bowen Basin, including two near Middlemount, two near Moranbah and one near Moura.

If you are an individual in need of support from GIVIT you will need to contact a charitable organisation in your local area for assistance. Visit GIVIT’s Community Hub at http://givit.org.au/community-hub for help to find services registered with GIVIT.

If you are a local charity or frontline service wanting to access donated goods and services, please register at givit.org.au/charity-registration.