The Financial Planning Association of Australia is in the process of establishing a pro bono programme where members can volunteer their time to help Australians impacted by the bushfires rebuild financially.
The association says in a statement that as emergency services continue to battle the bushfires throughout several states, the FPA understands that individuals and families are struggling. It says that once the bushfires have been extinguished, many Australians will need to rebuild their lives and for many, this will include significant financial pressures.
The FPA’s chief executive, Dante De Gori, said: “The FPA community supported those who suffered in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires and we want to offer our support again. Our members have life-long relationships with some of the people impacted by the bushfires. We will be offering whatever aid we can to help rebuild and recover.”
FPA members that are interested in being part of the pro bono programme should contact the association to get more information by emailing probono@fpa.com.au.
For members who have been directly impacted by the bushfires, the association says free, confidential support via FPA Wellbeing is available. This offers support by telephone, face-to-face and online platforms. There is also a critical incident and major events resource kit available.
The statement says that the process for applying for pro bono support from FPA members is being finalised and will be announced in the coming weeks.
