Australia has been burning under the grip of unrelenting bushfires that have for all intents and purposes blanketed the entire country in a sea of fire.
More than the cost in money and human lives, the fact that millions of wildlife have perished because of the blazes has tugged at the hearts of people around the world.
But it’s not a fight that ordinary Australians are taking on sitting down. Aside from the heroic firefighters who are out risking their lives battling the blazes, ordinary citizens, both Australians and people from around the world, are also doing what they can to help.
One of these individuals is none other than comedian Celeste Barber who put out a heartfelt call for donations to help with the bushfires. And people have responded with her bushfire fundraiser having received donations of more than £13 million ($17 million) only a few days after it was set up and there are even more expected to flood in.
The 37-year-old actress wrote on the fundraiser’s page: “I’m raising money for The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps.”
The response was nothing short of incredible with people from around the world making pledges to donate to the fund which has been increasing at a rate of £530 ($693) per second.
Barber told 7 News: “People are amazing. Power to the people. Someone needed to do something and the people have done something.”
But she’s not the only celebrity who is doing their part. US singer P!nk already pledged $500,000 (£382,043) while Sydney-raised Nicole Kidman also matched her pledge.
P!nk tweeted: “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires. I am pledging a donation of $500,000 directly to the local fire services that are battling so hard on the frontlines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”
If you would like to be a part of Barber’s fundraiser, you can donate here.
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