While we are all looking on in horror as Australia's bushfires wreak devastation around the country, celebrities around the world are helping out in different ways.
While some are physically assisting, there are others who are donating money or starting fundraisers to help the relief efforts.
When it comes to getting in there and lending a hand, Foodbank Victoria shared photos of Lizzo visiting its warehouse in Melbourne. The singer was performing in Australia and she took time out to help sort and pack hampers. The organisation posted about it on its Facebook page, saying, "Beautiful Lizzo stopped by our Foodbank Victoria warehouse today to thank our hardworking team and vollies (volunteers) who have been working tirelessly for the past 6 days."
While Lizzo was physically present to lend a helping hand, various well-known people have dug deep to assist financially, including actor Chris Hemsworth and singer Elton John, who have both pledged a million dollars. Chris announced his pledge via Instagram, while Elton revealed that he would be donating during a recent concert in Sydney. "There are people who have lost their lives and their homes," he told the audience. "And last is the plight of the animals and loss their habitat that, frankly, is on a biblical scale and heartbreaking."
Singer Pink was one of the first stars to pledge money, donating to the tune of half a million dollars. "I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires," she said. "My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz." The band Metallica committed A$750,000 to two firefighting organisations - NSW Rural Fire Service and the Country Fire Authority in Victoria. Its members urged fans to join them in donating to help fund the fire relief efforts.
Actress Rebel Wilson raised A$100,000 towards rescue relief by auctioning a private lunch date while attending the 2020 Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo. Two separate bids of A$50,000 were made, and the successful bidders will now join the actress for lunch at her newly-renovated Sydney home. "You'll be the first ones to christen my new dining table," she said. "The house has just been finished."
Actress Margot Robbie posted an Instagram video saying that she had donated and urging people to do the same. "I wanted you to see how beautiful our country is because it is so beautiful and it's really, really hurting right now," she said. "And it really, really needs you to please, please donate anything you can." Country singer Keith Urban and his wife, actress Nicole Kidman, both grew up in Australia and have pledged a donation of $500,000 to relief services.
Nick Kyrgios was among the first tennis players to pledge, promising A$200 for every ace he hits in January. Reigning Wimbledon champion, Simona Halep, pledged the same amount every time she shouts at her coach, Darren Cahill, during an Australian match. He relatiated by pledging A$50 for each outburst. Other Australian celebrities have been quick to offer financial support, including singers Kylie and Dannii Minogue, who donated half a million dollars on behalf of their family. Cosmetics billionaire Kylie Jenner has donated US$1m, according to her representative.
Tennis star Maria Sharapova pledged US$25,000, a donation that was matched by Novak Djokovic. While the world's number one female player, Ashleigh Barty, pledged to donate her prize-money from the Brisbane International to the Australian Red Cross bushfire appeal, alas she was defeated by Jennifer Brady. Ash has already donated A$30,000 to the RSPCA to support wildlife affected by the fires.
Actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge revealed at the Golden Globes that she would be auctioning off the suit she wore to aid the relief efforts. On the fundraising front, comedian Celeste Barber has started a Facebook fundraiser to support the bushfire relief. There has been a huge reaction to it so far and it has raised almost A$49m to date. To donate to it, please visit the fundraiser here.
Please note: Unless otherwise stated, it hasn't been confirmed if the stars' donations are being made in US or Australian dollars.
