Red Cross Australia - The Burnt Christmas Tree - Stills

During the devastating bushfires in December, the Red Cross commissioned a very different kind of Christmas tree in Sydney's CBD. One created entirely out of materials collected from fire-stricken areas. The tree was decorated with burnt-out objects like a metal farm gate and bicycle that acknowledged the human cost of the fires. An audio tour told personal stories behind the charred decorations, while gifts underneath let onlookers donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery. 

As word spread, the Burnt Christmas Tree became a symbol of support and solidarity – both locally and worldwide. Its story was told over 300 times in over 30 countries, driving donations and bringing home the true devastation of the bushfires.