MISSISSAUGA — TravelBrands is calling on the travel industry to help Australia recover from its ongoing bushfires.

The fires, which firefighters have described as the worst the country has seen in decades, have forced many major tourist destinations in Australia to issue a state of emergency. Nearly one million hectares have burned and destroyed wildlife, homes and entire ecosystems.

TravelBrands is encouraging travel agents to donate to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) from their Loyalty Points account. TravelBrands will then match all donations made by Jan. 31, 2020.

“Australia is a wonderful place filled with wildlife, adventure and sights. We have many clients who visit Australia through our specialty programs and now it is time for us to help how we can,” said Nathalie Tanious, senior vice president. “Our donating efforts will go towards restoring the damaged land and to help protect species that have been harmed, including the koalas. We thank everyone in advance who helps bring more awareness and support to this initiative.”

To donate Loyalty Rewards points to the WWF, agents can log onto their Loyalty Rewards account and click the ‘donate’ button. From there, they must select the amount they would like to donate. Donation amounts include $10, $25, $50 or more.