Flint water crisis: Bruno Mars donates $1 million to victims

Bruno Mars has announced that he will be donating $1 million to the victims of the Flint water crisis.

After closing his set with "Just The Way You Are" at a concert in Michigan, the Hawaii-born singer told his audience that with the help of tour promoter Live Nation, he would be redirecting money from the show to the charity The Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

Mars was performing at the Palace of Auburn Hills, about forty miles from the city of Flint. The show was part of his 24k Magic World Tour.

In 2014 Flint changed their primary water source to the Flint River, but did not implement corrosion-reducing phosphates which allowed lead from old pipes to contaminate the water. Two independent studies found lead poisoning caused by the water was found in the city’s population.

At one point 12 people died because of a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak that has since been linked to the improperly treated water by experts. Recent evidence suggests city officials neglected indicators of the growing water crisis.

Bruno Mars said “I’m very thankful to the Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this cause. On-going challenges remain years later for Flint residents, and it’s important that we don’t forget our brothers and sisters affected by this disaster.

“As people, especially as Americans, we need to stand together to make sure something like this never happens in any community ever again.“

The Community Foundation of Greater Flint is a tax-exempt public charity that was created by and for the people of Genesee County, Michigan. The President and Chief Executive Officer of the charity, Isaiah M. Oliver, has since tweeted “With a grateful heart, the Community Foundation of Greater Flint is honoured to accept this inspiring donation.”

Oliver also claims “Bruno Mars’ $1 million gift will be transformative.”

Other artists such as Pearl Jam, Big Sean, Meek Mill and Cher have previously also donated or helped raised money to fight the Flint water crisis.