Hollywood And Local Celebs Rally For Support For Australia—Here's How To Help
We've prayed for rain, we've hoped for safety, we've begged for a miracle—but we must act concretely, too. Learn which stars have supported Australians during this tragedy and how you, too, can play an important role in this critical time
There's no time to waste, so we'll cut to the chase.
International donors, including Filipinos, can choose from the following organizations to donate to in order to help Australia fight—and recover from—the devastating wildfires currently wrecking havoc on the country. The organizations have different beneficiaries ranging from firefighters, displaced families, zoos and animal shelters, conservation programs and institutions, as well as medical service providers.
Hollywood celebrities and Australian stars have been leading the initiative to raise financial aid for those in dire need of it and have used their social media presence to share how others can help, in the ways that they can.
Below is a gallery of A-list names who have spread the message or have made donations, as well as informative and comprehensive posts on the organizations accepting international donations.
Warning: Some of the images below depict people and animals affected by the fires and may be distressing to some readers.
To sum up the damage that the fires have caused as of this writing, it is estimated that:
- Almost 2,000 homes have been burned to the ground and more than 600 badly damaged.
- 30 percent of Australia's koala population has been wiped out since the bushfires began in September.
- More so, almost half a billion animals in affected regions have met the same fate as the koalas.
- Close to 3,000 firefighters—many of whom are unpaid volunteers that have worked nonstop over the holidays—are deployed to put out the fires around the country.
- 6.3 million acres and counting of land have been incinerated, rendering land uninhabitable by both humans and animals and which will require years, possibly decades, to re-cultivate.
Making matters worse are also the accusation that Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been missing in action in this tragedy, that arson is being investigated as some have discovered that many fires were purposely started by ill-intentioned groups, and that overall, there are still those who have been labeled as "climate change-deniers" that fail to make the connection between this tragedy and man-aggravated effects of global warming.
We've prayed for rain, we've hoped for safety, we've begged for a miracle—but we must act concretely, too. Learn which stars have supported Australians during this tragedy and how you can also play a part in the effort to respond to their needs in this critical time
We've prayed for rain, we've hoped for safety, we've begged for a miracle—but we must act concretely, too. Learn which stars have supported Australians during this tragedy and how you can also play a part in the effort to respond to their needs in this critical time
Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray
Leading the list of local celebs asking for international support for her other home country is Catriona Gray. She devoted a whole Instagram post to share a heartfelt prayer for the country as well as a list of organizations helping wildlife, displaced communities, and volunteer firefighters to donate to. "Prayer warriors, please join me in praying for Australia. 🙏 Father God, I pray for Australia. I pray for rains that would come and dispel the fires that are raging. I pray for your protection over the land, all of its people, their families and wildlife. I pray for the volunteers, the firefighters, the servicemen who are putting their lives at risk every day. We ask for a mighty miracle Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ. AMEN," she wrote in part.
Pink
American singer Pink announced that she would be providing financial aid to relevant groups in Australia. She went on Twitter to say, "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."
Kim Jones
Filipina-Aussie fashionista and entrepreneur Kim Jones bared her heart and soul when she invited thousands of her followers to join her in prayers and finding ways to be of tangible help to Australians and the country's wildlife. The country which she called her first home has suffered unspeakable losses from the climate-caused tragedy, many of which she highlighted, and went on to end her post with a chilling note: "A quote from @nytimes interview with Dr. Crystal A. Kolden is haunting for Australia and the globe. It is 'a harbinger of what is to come.'"
Nicole Kidman
"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," she wrote as a caption on an Instagram post announcing all the ways Australians and international donors can help Aussies. Reportedly, Nicole and her husband Keith Urban's Australian home is also under threat from the fire and may also be lost if the flames are not contained.
Anne Curtis
Anne Curtis literally has Australia running through her veins as a proud Filipino-Aussie. On Instagram, she interrupted an otherwise pregnancy excitement-dominated feed with a plea for her followers to help Australia in any way they can. She recommended the following groups to connect with: @redcrossau @vinniesvictoria @cfavic @animalsaustralia @salvosau @wwf_australia.
Hugh Jackman
His "X-Men" character Wolverine saved the world countless of times from impending disaster, but real-life Hugh Jackman is out on a different mission: help save his native Australia from the effects of global warming and the vulnerable communities paying the price. Some of the organizations he encourages us all to help include Red Cross AU, Wildlife Warriors Worldwide, and RSPCA New South Wales, among others.
Jonathan Van Ness
Queer Eye's JVN holds a special place in his heart for Australia as the country had hosted him and his co-stars for an episode where they met lots of awesome people and experienced local culture and had a blast. Like us, his heart breaks for Aussies who have been affected by this tragedy and encourages all those capable to donate to turn their sights to Celeste Barber (a comedian leading a massively successful donation drive on her own). "After having had the chance to film a special episode of @queereye in Yass, Australia in 2018 I fell in love. My heart has been broken these last days watching the situation deteriorate there. The people, animals, and spirit of Australia is so beautifully unique & seeing how much everyone has banded together to help is major," reads his post to call attention to the situation.
Selena Gomez
"Absolutely devastated by the fires in Australia. Praying for everyone affected and all of the first responders. I’m making a donation and would love if you would consider doing the same if you can," she wrote on Twitter. She joins the league of celebrities using their influence over millions of their followers to pay attention to crises happening outside the world of show business and requests those capable of making donations to get in touch with the right groups.
Russell Crowe
The name Russell Crowe is synonymous to excellent acting and, yes, pride in being an Australian. Because of the love he has for his country, he made generous donations in cash to those in need of them the most, saying, "Today I’ll be donating $5k AUD to each of the @NSWRFS brigades on this list . @mcannonbrookes will be doing the same. A total of $200k ($136k USD) . I want to thank the volunteers all over the state and all over the country that work tirelessly to keep our communities safe."
Luke Evans
He may be Welsh, but his heart goes out to Australians. Luke Evans has chosen the New South Wales Rural Fire Service to support and has left the link on his Instagram for others hoping to help to visit.
Naomi Watts
One of the worst things about the Australian wildfires is how they've tainted some of the best memories many have of the Australian outdoors. Actress Naomi Watts posted a fond memory she has of the country's famous natural wonders and expressed heartbreak over the fact that things may never be the same again, even when the fires have been put out. "The fires have been truly horrendous. It’s so upsetting and worrying. So much wildlife already lost. And still much of the summer ahead. My heart goes out to those who’ve lost loved ones and homes. Big gratitude to the brave firemen who literally haven’t stopped during the holidays!!" she said.
Joel Edgerton
This Australian actor and director took matters in his own hands by initiating a fund raising drive with fellow Hollywood star Nick Kroll. The duo has chosen the New South Wales Rural Fire Service to support, as firefighters have been receiving minimal government aid and have mostly gone unpaid throughout their life-threatening mission to quell the deadly fires in the past weeks.
Rebel Wilson
We might know her as the self-depreciating comedian and hilarious talk show guest but Rebel Wilson, who's a proud Australian, has something else going on not everyone might know: a big heart for animals. She took the time to shed the spotlight on one of Australia's many zoos helping shelter and rehabilitate hurt wildlife on her Instagram. She wrote, "Shout out to @zookeeper_chad from @featherdalewildlifepark who has been helping rescue animals from the NSW bushfires and is just an all round legend. I loved cuddling our gorgeous Australian animals 🐨 and we gotta work hard to protect them 🦘and our environment x.'
Sharon Stone
The veteran actress made a powerful political statement as she listed down all the devastation that the fires have left in their wake. She pointed out how the Australian government and other world leaders have failed to take action to protect countries from the effects of climate change. Using the words of teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg, the message was made clear: "And yet. All of this still has not resulted in any political action. Because we still fail to make the connection between the climate crisis and increased extreme weather events and nature disasters like the #AustraliaFires That has to change. And it has to change now. My thoughts are with the people of Australia and those affected by these devastating fires."
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leo's passion for saving the environment needs no introduction, but what's noteworthy is the whopping $5 million dollars he's given to aid Australia in whatever way they need it most during this trying time.
Hilary Duff
Even while on her South Africa-based honeymoon, this actress' thoughts are with Australians suffering because of the fires. She announced that she and her husband would soon decide on an amount to donate to their chosen organizations and would keep their followers posted on what other steps they plan to take when they reach a decision. On Instagram, she also included a comprehensive list of Australian groups accepting international aid from those willing to extend a helping hand.
Ellen Degeneres
Days before her recognition at the 2020 Golden Globes, Ellen Degeneres broke her usually positivity-filled Instagram feed with a devastating photo of a kangaroo hopping away from a massive fire that's been making its rounds on the Internet. With the photo was a reposted message that highlighted a scary reality: that Australia's hot and dry season has just begun, which means that it could be close to impossible before the fires are gone.
Senator Bernie Sanders
American politician Bernie Sanders has carved a reputation for being a progressive thinker (making him a favorite among young people) and given what's happening in Australia, his words sum up the greater implications of the tragedy: "Our futures are all connected." He focused on the message on his Twitter and shed the spotlight on political action that could be part of the solution to climate-related crises like this.
Dacre Montgomery
He's the villain on "Stranger Things," but a hero in real life. He set up a Go Fund Me page for the Australian Red Cross as a way to use his popularity for a much greater good.
Margot Robbie
She touched on people's sentimental side when she posted an IGtv video of her going through a scrapbook of memories of her childhood spent in Australia. Stirring her audience's emotions, she urged them to make donations to help other individuals and families like her and her own experience the same.
Celeste Barber
Last but not least, there is Celeste Barber, a comedian and Internet sensation known for her silly imitation antics she regularly posts on Instagram. Her donation might not have come from her own pocket, but it did come from a hugely successful fundraiser that has so far racked up $20 million in donations—the biggest amount as of this writing to be raised by an individual for this tragedy. To donate, check out the link on her Instagram bio.
Nicole Warne, or Gary Pepper Girl
If you know Gary Pepper Vintage, then you know Nicole, the entrepreneur behind the world's first online brands. Now a successful entrepreneur, she's got massive global influence and didn't filter the suffering and pain that her country is experiencing and will continue to experience for years to come. "There is so much suffering, but there is still hope. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far - we see you, we feel your support, we appreciate your love. Half a billion animals have died in our bushfires in NSW alone, with a similar number expected to be lost in Victoria. I know there’s so many individual organizations it can be overwhelming, so I chose the main places to donate in my last post, but I wanted to share more information on where to donate to support our wildlife emergency rescue, rehabilitation, restoration and conservation efforts," she wrote on her Instagram. Visit her profile to see which organizations she recommended and how to get in touch with them.
Photos from @catriona_gray @thehughjackman @nicolekidman @kimcamjones @pink @jvn @selenagomez @russellcrowe @thereallukeevans @naomiwatts @joeledgerton @rebelwilson @sharonstone @leonardodicaprio @hilaryduff @theellenshow @berniesanders @margotrobbie @guardianaustralia @annecurtissmith @nicolewarne
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