Other celebrities like singer Pink also pledged support to the various emergency services in Australia, which is experiencing one of the worst wildfires in their history.
The wildfires in Australia raging since September 2019 have destroyed millions of acres of land and led to the death of 23 people, including two firefighters, Geoffrey Keaton and Andrew O’Dwyer. The devastation to thousands of homes and wildlife has made people notice the calamity faced by the country, and celebrities are trying to bring more attention to the destruction this difficult time has brought.
Australian celebrities like Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have donated $500,000 to the Rural Fire Service, a representative for Kidman told People. "Their house is not on fire. It is under threat, so they are keeping a close eye on it," the actress’ rep added. The Moulin Rouge actress also looked visibly distressed when she attended the Gold Meets Golden event in Beverly Hills one day before the Golden Globe awards. She had been nominated for best performance by an actress in a television series for Big Little Lies. She told reporters, "I’m so sorry I’m so distracted by what’s happening in Australia."
Kidman and Urban both shared vital information for those who wanted to donate to the crucial services in Australia which are on the forefront fighting the wildfires that have killed close to half a billion mammals, birds, and reptiles. Sharing on Instagram, Kidman said, "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."
Urban also shared the same information and statement on his Instagram, where his followers thanked him for amplifying the efforts. The celebrity couple owns a farmhouse outside Sydney, where their home is "under threat." Other celebrities like singer Pink and Celeste Barber have also pledged to donate money and help those who are trying to help those stuck in the harsh conditions. Australian native Hugh Jackman, Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness, comedian and producer Nick Kroll have also said that they are helping Australian organizations or raising money to help firefighters, according to CNN.
Iggy Azalea posted a photo of her cuddling a Koala and asked people to donate for saving their habitat. On Instagram, she said, "Got to visit this cutie yesterday, as well as so many animals injured & rehabilitated at @currumbinwildlifehospital Thankyou guys for letting me hangout!!! did you know over 30% of the Koalas natural habitat in NSW has been destroyed by the bushfires Australia is currently battling? The saddest part is, that’s not even the biggest threat to their survival. Please donate if you can guys, anything helps."
"We are facing another extremely difficult next 24 hours," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said at a televised news conference on January 4, according to Associated Press. "In recent times, particularly over the course of the balance of this week, we have seen this disaster escalate to an entirely new level."
The fire danger had increased on January 4 as temperatures rose to record levels across Australia. It crossed 109 Fahrenheit in Canberra, and reached a record-high 120 F in Penrith, in Sydney’s western suburbs. More than 1400 homes have been destroyed in the fire that has been raging for months, says USAToday. As many as 12 million acres of land have been destroyed in the fires raging in different parts of the country.
References:
https://apnews.com/aa9cab72eec3c71f6035e39d8c0b5d6c
