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.
On Tuesday, January 7, Avengers: Endgame star Chris Hemsworth, 36, donated A$1,000,000 (Dh2.5 million) to the cause, telling his fans that they are "still in the thick of it" in Australia, before encouraging viewers of the video message to "dig deep" and "contribute in any way, shape or form".
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.https://t.co/KcBpMe7QvY pic.twitter.com/gYuA4LELZM
— Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) January 7, 2020
Fleabag's creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge is also raising money to aid Australian fire relief.
The actress is auctioning off the Ralph and Russo Couture suit she wore to the 2020 Golden Globes, and plans to donate the money raised to the cause.
"We have hatched an amazing plan with Ralph and Russo ... We are going to auction it off and the money that is raised from it will go towards relief in Australia," she said during a press conference back stage at the awards.
Singer Elton John is also doing his part. During his show at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, the Rocketman singer pledged a donation of A$1 million to the cause.
Stars around the world donating
Hemsworth and Waller-Bridge have joined a flock of stars from around the world donating to, and raising money for, the cause.
Among those leading the drive for donations is Australian actress Nicole Kidman, who revealed that she and husband Keith Urban have donated $500,000 (Dh1.8 million).
“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.”
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. Swipe up ❤️ https://t.co/aEqW5SPKPG
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) January 4, 2020
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 A$43m 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 player, Sam Stosur, to do the same.
Maria Sharapova has also pledged to donate A$25,000 to Australia's bushfire relief, and urged fellow player Novak Djokovic to match her donation.
In a tweet, she said, “The month of January in Australia has been my [home] for the past 15 years. Watching the fires destroy the lands, its beautiful families and communities of animals is deeply [heart-breaking]. I would like to begin my donation at 25K. @DjokerNole, would you match my donation? #letsallcometogether”.
Djokovic responded to her tweet, saying, “Yes, @MariaSharapova I would like to match your $25k donation to double the aid sent to these communities. We stand by you, #Australia.”
Yes, @MariaSharapova I would like to match your $25k donation to double the aid sent to these communities. We stand by you, #Australia. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/wiUZHzg9cz
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 6, 2020
Saudi-Australian model Shanina Shaik has also shared her support for the relief efforts, and her heartache at watching her homeland burn. “I wake up everyday to see my home country burning in a destructive blaze. I don’t have the heart to post the Australian animals burnt to their death or the families seeing their homes and lives lost in the flames,” she wrote.
Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has also added to the funding by donating $500,000, she announced in an Instagram post.
"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," she wrote along with tags of different organisations.
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.
You can follow The National's coverage of the fires here.
