Local Bakers and Makers to Benefit Australian Bushfire Relief

The devastating bushfires in Australia have hit close to home for one Berkshire entrepreneur, who is organizing a benefit event for later this month.

A-OK Berkshire Barbeque co-owner and baker Alexandra Oster is hosting a "Bakers and Makers" fundraiser starting at 10 A.M. on Saturday Jan. 25 at the popular venue on the MASS MoCA campus in North Adams. It will feature Oster's baked goods and work from local artists. All proceeds will go towards Australian organizations helping people and wildlife.

Oster told Spectrum News 1 that growing up in Australia she & her family had to evacuate their home to escape a wildfire. They got out safely and the family home was spared, but when they returned she said she "came home to a backyard that was burnt sticks. And there was no noise. There was no birds, there was no leaves, there was no animals. There was silence. And that is a devastating feeling.”

Oster came up with idea for the Australian Bushfire Relief fundraiser & many friends decided to join in. It's an event that will probably grow day by day, so you'll want to check their Facebook page for the latest info.