As the heartbreaking wildfire devastation rages on in Australia, Hollywood is stepping up to help. Celebrities are donating toward bushfire relief, with pledges already exceeding the $3 million mark. From Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban to the Sussexes and more, the list of stars contributing funds to help battle the fires blazing across the continent continues to grow.
Per the BBC, at least 24 people — including three volunteer firefighters — have died as the result of massive bushfires in the country. And with more than 15.6 million acres of bush, forest and parks already ravaged (for reference, that’s roughly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined), an estimated 500 million Australian animals have also been killed. It’s unknown how many have been injured, and the death toll may rise as more succumb to their injuries. Beloved Australian family Terri, Robert and Bindi Irwin have been keeping followers updated on the effect of the devastation on Australian wildlife.
Although the fires have been burning since September, record-breaking temperatures and a months-long drought caused fires to intensify in the past two weeks. Sadly, fire season in Australia isn’t yet over, meaning the intensity and scale of the bushfire damage could get worse still. With thousands of firefighters and volunteers fighting the blazes, mass evacuations taking place and the military assisting where needed, it goes without saying Australia needs our help right now.
Keep reading to see how celebrities are contributing, as well as how you can donate.
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban
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.
A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman) on Jan 4, 2020 at 3:10pm PST
The native Australians, whose Australian farm is in danger from the fires, announced via Instagram that they’ve donated half a million dollars to Australian firefighters. “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,” Kidman wrote.
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle
A post shared by The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (@sussexroyal) on Jan 4, 2020 at 11:48am PST
Kylie Jenner
come through and chill 💛💙
A post shared by Kylie 🤍 (@kyliejenner) on Jan 6, 2020 at 3:33pm PST
Us Weekly confirmed that makeup mogul Kylie Jenner has donated $1 million to the Australia bushfire relief efforts. The donation comes amid social media backlash Jenner received after addressing the environmental impact of the bushfires and then sharing a photo of herself wearing mink fur slippers. However, a source told Us Weekly that Jenner’s donation was “already in process” prior to the controversy.
Shailene Woodley
“this is australia’s war” – @celestebarber mother-in-law. let’s do everything we can to help them over there. the animals, the land, the family’s, the babies, the homes, THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO ARE WORKING DAY AND NIGHT WITH BARELY ANY SUPPLIES … please please please donate. whatever you can !!!
A post shared by shailene woodley (@shailenewoodley) on Jan 5, 2020 at 8:45am PST
On Saturday, the Big Little Lies star urged her followers to donate the bushfire relief efforts. “Let’s do everything we can to help them over there. the animals, the land, the family’s, the babies, the homes, THE FIREFIGHTERS WHO ARE WORKING DAY AND NIGHT WITH BARELY ANY SUPPLIES … please please please donate. whatever you can !!!” she captioned a list of fundraisers.
Chris & Liam Hemsworth
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. In my bio I’ve added links to support the fire fighters, organisations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time. Beyond appreciative to everyone around the world for their well wishes and donations. It really does make a difference, so dig deep! Love ya.
A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Jan 6, 2020 at 6:34pm PST
Brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth both shared a video on Instagram created by Chris. In both the clip and the caption, the actor underscores that anything helps. “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,” Chris wrote. “It really does make a difference, so dig deep!”
Kylie Minogue
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. @redcrossau @nswrfs @cfavic @sa_countryfireservice @wireswildliferescue #Australia
A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue) on Jan 5, 2020 at 11:28pm PST
Sharing a photo of herself against the smoky backdrop of her home country, singer Kylie Minogue wrote, “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.” She and her family have donated $500,000 towards relief efforts.
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 ❤️
A post shared by P!NK (@pink) on Jan 3, 2020 at 10:47pm PST
Pink shared a list of fundraising efforts, revealing that her family had donated $500,000 directly to the local fire services in Australia. “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” she said, continuing, “My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz.”
Hilary Duff
The next photo is absolutely gut wrenching. The fires in beautiful Australia are covering the entire country 14.7 million acres have burned. That is an unfathomable number. Half a billion animals GONE. Burned alive. 💔💔 its a strange feeling of guilt to be enjoying my honeymoon in South Africa in a similar landscape where the animals are healthy and free and such devastating circumstances for others occurring at the same moment. Homes burned, people displaced and unfortunately some lives lost. @Matthewkoma and I are coming up with a number that we feel comfortable with to donate and will keep you posted on that. Please do what you can
A post shared by Hilary Duff (@hilaryduff) on Jan 4, 2020 at 9:55pm PST
Duff, who is currently on her honeymoon in South Africa with Matthew Koma, took to Instagram to raise awareness for bushfire relief efforts. “The next photo is absolutely gut wrenching. The fires in beautiful Australia are covering the entire country 14.7 million acres have burned. That is an unfathomable number. Half a billion animals GONE. Burned alive,” she captioned a truly heartbreaking photo progression of kangaroos. She and Koma also announced their intention to donate and keep followers updated on that contribution.
Elton John
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. God bless, Australia. ❤️
A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Jan 7, 2020 at 12:27pm PST
“Seeing the fires raging across Australia have left me heartbroken. This tragedy has taken lives, homes and devastated so much wildlife,” iconic singer Elton John captioned a clip from his show in Sydney this week. “At my Sydney show last night, I pledged $1 million dollars to support the Bushfire Relief Fund.”
Russell Crowe
So… delivered 19 cheques to RFS Captain John Lardner, a total of $105k because I cant count apparently, haha all good @NSWRFS
A post shared by Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) on Nov 28, 2019 at 8:17pm PST
Australian Russell Crowe continues to find ways to contribute to the relief efforts. In November, he auctioned off an old baseball cap and donated the $400,000 proceeds to local fire services. He also personally delivered checks to the fire services captain for a total of $105,000.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge
After winning big at Sunday night’s Golden Globes, Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge announced that she’s auctioning off the Ralph & Russo tweed suit she wore for the ceremony — with all proceeds going toward relief in Australia.
Halsey
Because of the Lorne Falls Festival cancellation, TONIGHT i’m playing a good old fashioned dirty show in MELBOURNE! i told you i’d come thru. LORNE falls ticket holders get PRIORITY access to the box office tonight, but anyone can come. all profits are going to fire relief. DRIVE ON UP AND LETS DO THIS!
A post shared by halsey (@iamhalsey) on Dec 28, 2019 at 7:13pm PST
After the singer’s scheduled New Year’s Eve show in Lorne, Australia, was canceled due to the bushfires, she announced that she would play a placement show in Melbourne — and donate all of the proceeds to bushfire relief.
