Australia Bushfire Crisis: DiCaprio, Kylie Jenner & Other Stars Pour Donations In Huge Numbers
Kylie Jenner too donated $1 million toward fighting the Australian fires. Her donation comes a day after she received backlash for saying she was ¡°heartbroken¡± over the animals that died in the fires but the very next day, she was seen wearing mink slippers. Other Australian celebrities, including actors Chris Hemsworth, Hugh Jackman, and singer Kylie Minogue, have also donated towards the crisis.
Australia is bleeding.
International aid and donations have poured in for the ongoing bushfire crisis in Australia, which has so far killed 25 people and millions of animals while also destroying nearly 2,000 houses.
The scale of the devastation has shocked the global community, prompting celebrities, politicians and civilians to inundate Australia with messages of support and assistance, Xinhua news agency said in a report on Wednesday.
This week additional defence and firefighting personnel arrived from the US and neighbouring New Zealand to help the local emergency services.
Other countries including neighbouring Papua New Guinea (PNG), Fiji and Singapore have also offered practical assistance in the form of firefighters, aircraft, soldiers and financial aid, while a string of world leaders from France to the United Arab Emirates sent heartfelt words of support.
"Australia is the closest friend of PNG and is always the first in PNG in our times of adversities and we offer our hearts and our hands to you in this time of fire-induced tragedies," PNG Prime Minister James Marape posted online. Celebrities and sporting heroes have also been quick to do what they can for the cause.
As a show of support for those affected by the fires, a special Rally for Relief event was announced for the lead up to the Australian Open with many of the world's top players committing to charity matches.
Millions of dollars have already been raised by donations from ordinary people around the world. New South Wales Rural Fire Service chief Shane Fitzsimmons on Wednesday described the overwhelming influx of donations as extremely generous, reflecting "the best we've got in humanity". He said that all efforts would be made to ensure that the donations go to the right place.
1. On Tuesday evening, British pop legend, Elton John ended his concert in Sydney with a pledge of $1 million, prompting a standing ovation.
The Golden Globes award ceremony on Sunday night also saw the bushfires recognised with a message from Australian actor Russell Crowe, who instead of being at the awards was in his home country defending his home and property from fires.
Crowe described the tragedy as unmistakably "climate-based".
2. Kylie Jenner too donated $1 million towards fighting the Australian fires.
Her donation comes a day after she received backlash for saying she was ¡°heartbroken¡± over the animals that died in the fires but the very next day, she was seen wearing mink slippers.
3. Chris Hemsworth
Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth on Wednesday pledged one million dollars towards relief efforts for the bushfire ravaged regions in Australia. In a short Instagram video, the 36-year-old Aussie native updated followers that with the weather continuing to remain dry, the fires continue to burn and inflict massive damage. He then pledged a million dollars towards disaster relief and urged people to donate money to the several charity links he posted on his profile bio.
Hemsworth captioned the post: "Hi everyone. Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia. My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully, you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated.
4. Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman also took to social media, sharing information on how to help out with his 28.7 million followers.
"How can you help? Tap on the image for just a few of the organizations who are working tirelessly to fight the bushfires ¡ to save lives, wildlife and property," he captioned a post. Reports claim that he too have donated for the cause.
5. Singer Kylie Minogue
Minogue shared a photo of a recent trip back to her home country, and said,
"Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. As a family, we've donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires.
With love, The Minogue Family."
6. Leonardo DiCaprio
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio's environmental organisation has announced a donation of USD 3 million towards the devastating bush fires that are ravaging Australia. The 45-year-old actor is the co-chairman of Earth Alliance, an organisation that works to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. The organisation has created the Australia Wildfire Fund in a concerted effort to help relieve the people suffering from the catastrophic bushfires, reported Fox News.
7. Phoebe Waller-Bridge
English actor Phoebe Waller-Bridge said she would auction off her Golden Globes outfit and have the proceeds go to firefighter relief.