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Australia or the land down under is known for its beauty from the modern cities hugging the mainland , to the splendur of the surrounding islands, and the desert landscapes of the outback. The land is known for great biodiversity – around 250,000 species - including the native kangaroo, Koalas, colorful birds, and fauna.
Sadly, the land and its inhabitants, are being consumed by the massive bush fires that have been raging since November. The BBC reported over 14 millions of acres lost, billions of animals affected, and an estimated 1,500 homes destroyed, the fires have scarred the county. But as images of the bush fires have gone viral on social media, so have celebrities' efforts to provide aid and comfort to the Australian people.
Kylie Minogue
This Australian pop star turned to her Instagram account to announce that her family was pledging $5000,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts. She posted: "Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time," and "Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. 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." pic.twitter.com/5RWYZDQyBg
— Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) January 6, 2020
Margot Robbie
On January 5, 2020, the morning before the Golden Globe Awards, Australian actress Margot Robbie made an impassioned plea urging people to donate to Australian causes on her Instagram account. "Guys I don't normally do this, but I wanted to share some personal photos from my childhood," Robbie wrote and she displayed photos from her childhood to show her fans the beauty of Australia. "I'm sure you're all aware of what's happening in Australia at the moment with the fires. I didn't want to show you more pictures of the devastation."
Pink
The American singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, model and celebrity extraordinaire who goes by the name Pink wrote about her $500,000 donation on her Twitter account., "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 front lines. My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz," tweeted Pink.
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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kyjDbhoXpp
— P!nk (@Pink) January 4, 2020
Elton John
British superstar singer Elton John just donated $1 million to an Australian relief fundraiser. He made the announcement January 6 during a concert in Sydney saying, "We should all be in the awe of the work the firefighters are doing," he told the crowd. "There are people out there who have lost their lives trying to save homes, there are people who have lost their lives and their homes."
Seeing the fires raging across Australia have left me heartbroken. This tragedy has taken lives, homes and devastated so much wildlife. At my Sydney show last night, I pledged $1 million dollars to support the Bushfire Relief Fund.
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) January 7, 2020
God bless, Australia. ????????❤️
Elton xx pic.twitter.com/8umFtjikSa
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
This Australian power couple took to their Instagram account to announce: "Our family's support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia. We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now." They included links to local fire services so that others can follow in their footsteps.
Ellen DeGeneres
American comedian and actress Ellen DeGeneres was moved to give donations to the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Australian Red Cross, and WIRES and announced it on her Twitter account. "It's almost impossible to understand the size and destruction of the fires in Australia. Here are three organizations I've already donated to. I hope you'll donate, too," she tweeted.
It’s almost impossible to understand the size and destruction of the fires in Australia. Here are three organizations I’ve already donated to. I hope you’ll donate, too. @NSWRFS @RedCrossAU @WIRES_NSW
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 4, 2020
Russel Crowe
Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, acter Russel Crowe shared a selfie in November 2019 and wrote: "So... delivered 19 cheques to RFS Captain John Lardner, a total of $105k because I can't count apparently, haha all good @NSWRFS." He is in Australia and missed the Golden Globes, but his speech delivered by Jennifer Aniston said, "Make no mistake the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate-change based. We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy, and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is that way we all have a future."
Celest Barber
This Australian comedian has raised $45 million from her Facebook fundraiser but she called out billionaires for not donating to help the crisis. She wrote on social media: “Remember when Notre Dame burnt down - very sad, don’t get me wrong, RIP Notre Dame, historic building,” and “something like billions of dollars were raised, by I think like a handful of people. Where are those people now? She shared that people's $10 donations were adding up to millions but if billionaires gave their share, it would be Amazing.
