Donating to Australian Wildfire Relief: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Pledge $500,000
The massive destruction resulting from the wildfires in Australia is truly devastating, not simply because of the wildlife and people that are suffering, as many have died, but also for Australia and the world, as a whole. It's a heartbreaking situation.
As the years have gone on, there has not only been a drastic increase in the number of wildfires, but also in their strength and size. As a result, the resources required to quell these destructive forces have also increased, leading to strains on funding and personnel available.
Thankfully, people all around the world have empathized and sent what they could in aid, whether monetarily or in the form of goods. Celebrities have also tried to make an impact by donating money towards the fire services that are on the front lines. Just recently, Australian natives, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban pledged to send $500,000 in aid for personnel.
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Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban Make Pledge on Instagram
On Saturday, the actress and country star took to Instagram, sharing their pledge, as well as, a list of organizations that need donations to combat the rapidly growing wildfires.
"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 shared.
The list of organizations included various fire services where wildlife, homes, and people are being affected. She also made sure that their respective websites were included so that further donations could be made.
Pink Pledges $500,000 on Twitter
Kidman and Urban are on a growing list of other celebrities who have pledged to donate hefty amounts of money for aid. Just recently, award-winning singer, Pink, also pledged to donate $500,000. She shared her thoughts on Twitter late Friday night.
"I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” she tweeted. “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."
Many A-listers have used their platform to encourage support including Hugh Jackman, Ellen Degeneres, and Selena Gomez, Nick Kroll, Kerry Washington, among many others.
Utter Destruction with Lives Lost
The onset of the Australian wildfires is a direct result of record-breaking temperatures throughout the country and months of severe drought. Initially beginning in September, the fires have raged on, lately intensifying and spreading quickly due to the presence of strong winds.
With high temperatures expected to continue and an increase in the wind likely, many towns have been evacuated. So far, twenty people have died as a result of the fires, including three firefighters. And as it currently stands, approximately 6 million hectares of forests, parks, and bush have been destroyed.
No End In Sight, Yet
It's not expected that the fires will soon be under control, but with the help of people and celebrities from around the world providing aid to the firefighters and people that are displaced, an end may at one point be in sight.
Hopefully, not all will be lost for a country with abounding wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and wonderful people. Nonetheless, this story is sure to continue developing with more celebrities likely to donate in order to help eliminate these unfortunate wildfires.
