While locals volunteer and celebrities across the globe donate to help tackle Australia’s devastating fires, what can the rest of us do to help?
Australia is currently facing the worst bushfires in its history, following the hottest summer ever recorded.
15 million acres of land have been destroyed and over 20 people have lost their lives. In many ways it’s a frightening and dystopian glimpse at what climate change might do to our ecosystems in the coming decades – and it’s still not stopping. Politicians around the globe have described the scenes as ‘devastating’ and a ‘catastrophe’.
As scary as this all seems, though, there has been a huge international outpouring of financial support. Millions have been raised via Australian charities to assist firefighters and local services rehouse and shelter victims – and you can help too.
How are high profile people supporting efforts to tackle the fires?
Celebrities and viral fund raiser campaigns have helped boost support efforts, bringing in impressive amounts of cash. It’s all desperately needed, too, as the fires continue to rip through Australia at an unprecedented rate.
Stars such as Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Selena Gomez, and many others, have all posted across their social media channels with links to donation websites to spread awareness. Hilary Duff has pledged an unknown amount of money to donate, alongside Russell Crowe who donated A$105,000 after his own home was damaged by the fires. But, really, the celebrity efforts are not the most important issue here – what’s vital is that as many of us come together to offer aid as possible. The more attention is given to this disaster the better.