Australian bushfires: The celebrities who've pledged donations to fight the crisis

Australia continues to be ravaged by wildfires following extremely high temperatures and strong winds, with the state of New South Wales declaring a state of emergency.

The fires have killed 24 people to date while it has been estimated that as much as half a billion animals have died in the blazes.

Many have been forced to flee their homes while others have attempted to defend themselves against the raging flames.

As images and news of the heartbreaking scenes have spread around the globe, thousands of people have reached out to help those affected by the fires and those fighting them.

Read more: Bindi Irwin vows to save as many animals as possible while Australian bushfires rage on

As a result, many famous faces have pledged money to the causes as they assist in the relief effort going on in Australia, including celebrities from overseas as well as those who would call Australia their homeland.

Leonardo DiCaprio

The Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged a huge amount of money to the effort to fight the fires, with his organisation Earth Alliance donating $3m (£2.3m) as part of the launch of its Australia Wildfire Fund. The organisation announced the new campaign in a statement, pledging to assist the firefighting efforts in New South Wales to preserve the ecosystem.

Earth Alliance said its new fund will work with local partner organisations including Aussie Ark, Bush Heritage and Wires Wildlife Rescue in order to “assist critical firefighting efforts”. DiCaprio is a committed environmental campaigner and donated millions to efforts to save the Amazon rainforest earlier this year.

Kylie Minogue

Australian singer and actor Kylie Minogue has donated A$500,000 (£261,000) to help the crisis along with her family, including sister Dannii.

Writing to fans on Instagram, Minogue described the “devastation throughout much of the country” as “heartbreaking”.

Chris Hemsworth

Thor star and Australian native Chris Hemsworth has donated A$1million, roughly equivalent to £533,830, to fund relief efforts.

He also urged his followers to contribute if they could, describing the current situation as “devastating”.

Read more: Kim Kardashian responds to criticisms that family hasn’t donated to bushfire relief

Alongside a video of himself discussing the issue, he wrote: “Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. In my bio I’ve added links to support the fire fighters, organisations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time.

"Beyond appreciative to everyone around the world for their well wishes and donations. It really does make a difference, so dig deep! Love ya."

Sir Elton John

Elton John has pledged to donate A$1million (£533,830), making the announcement on stage during a performance in Sydney's Judos Bank Arena as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour.

The Mirror report that he spoke to the crowd mid-show to address the crisis, saying: “To see what is happening here breaks my heart and so we have to come together and we have to fight and this is my bid towards it.”

Pink

US singer Pink pledged a A$500,000 (£261,000) donation to help local firefighters in Australia tackle the bushfires.

"I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires," she shared on Twitter.

Read more: The truth behind this viral image of the Australian bushfires

"My heart goes out to our friends and family in Oz."

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Australian actor Nicola Kidman and her country singer husband Keith Urban pledged to donate A$500,000 (£261,000) to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

Kidman shared links to organisations to donate on her Instagram as she wrote: “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.”

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres has contributed to numerous organisations in the efforts against the bushfires and its effects.

The Ellen Show host didn’t disclose the amounts of her donations but has said she contributed to the Red Cross, and Australian Wildlife fund and the NSW Rural Fire Service.

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"It's almost impossible to understand the size and destruction of the fires in Australia," she tweeted.

Metallica

Heavy metal band Metallica have pledged A$750,000, roughly £392,000 to the relief effort by teaming up with their own charity, All Within My Hands.

The funds are being directed to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria.

They said in an Instagram post: "We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria. The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking."

The band's line-up consists of James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo.

Celeste Barber

Australian comic Celeste Barber set up a Facebook fundraiser for The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund last week.

As of 7 January, the effort has currently received £23,374,827 worth of donations from people across the globe.