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
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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
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The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who often raise awareness about climate change, made a donation and urged others to consider doing so as well. “From areas we are personally connected to such as the communities and people we visited in New South Wales in 2018, to the fires in California and parts of Africa, we are struck by the increasingly overlapping presence of these environmental disasters, including of course the destruction of the Amazon which continues,” they wrote on their official Instagram account, adding, “This global environmental crisis has now been described as Ecocide. It’s easy to feel helpless, but there’s always a way to help.”
Kylie Jenner
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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“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
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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
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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.
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