Celebrities including Nicole Kidman, P!nk and Selena Gomez pledge huge sums to Australian bushfire fundraisers
06 January, 2020
As bushfires continue to ravage huge parts of Australia, celebrities across the world have been pledging millions of dollars to support the work of firefighters and have urged their followers to do the same.
There are several fundraising campaigns under way, supporting the numerous fire services and volunteers fighting the blazes, which are now affecting more than six million hectares – an area twice the size of Belgium.
Among those leading the drive for donations are some of the world’s biggest stars, including Australian actress Nicole Kidman, who revealed that she and husband Keith Urban have donated $500,000 (Dh1.8 million) to the cause.
“Our family’s support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia,” she said in a post shared with her six million Instagram followers. “We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now.”
Joining her in her pledge is pop star P!nk, who shared her sadness at the effect of the fires. “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” she said in an Instagram post.
“I am pledging a donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the front lines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”
Singer Selena Gomez has also donated to the fund and urged anyone who can offer support to help. “Absolutely devastated by the fires in Australia. Praying for everyone affected and all of the first responders. I’m making a donation and would love if you would consider doing the same if you can,” she said in a tweet.
Comedienne Celeste Barber has helped to raise more than $22m to help the New South Wales Rural Fire Service, thanks to a Facebook campaign. The star has been posting pictures and updates of the devastation caused by the blaze to her 6.4 million followers, drawing donations from across the world.
On Sunday, the women's world No 1 tennis star Ashleigh Barty promised to donate the prize money from her Brisbane International win to help firefighters, while another Australian tennis player, Nick Kyrgios, announced he would host a "Rally for Relief" exhibition match on Wednesday, January 15, to raise money for the cause.
He also pledged to donate $200 for every ace he hits across events this summer to those affected by the fires, prompting another plater, Sam Stosur, to do the same.
The NSWRFS said there were 146 fires burning across New South Wales, with 65 uncontained.
More than 2,700 firefighters are tackling the blazes, which have caused smoke to reach as far as New Zealand’s South Island. So far, 24 people have died in Australia due to the bushfires.
Source: www.thenational.ae
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