Yahoo News Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban donate $500,000 to Australia’s rural fire service as bushfires rage
Nicole Kidman has donated $500,000 (£265,470) to Australia’s rural fire service as the country continues to ravaged by bushfires.
Over 100 fires still burn in various parts Australia, including Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
26 people have died so far in the fires, with thousands evacuated and predictions of half a billion animals also dead.
Read more: Pink pledges $500,000 to fight Australia wildfires
Aussie native Kidman has said she and husband, musician Keith Urban, said they have been left “devastated for Australia” while appearing on breakfast show Studio 10, where she also revealed plans to donate the money.
Taking to social media, the couple 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.”
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. - KU pic.twitter.com/9dLtNrFAne
— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) January 4, 2020
The posts include fundraising links which explain how others can also donate.
Kidman and Urban aren’t the only celebrities to donate to the cause.
Pop star Pink also donated $500,000. The singer tweeted: “I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires.
“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.”
The family of late wildlife expert Steve Irwin have also been lending a hand by helping treat injured animals
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21-year-old daughter Bindi wrote on Instagram: "With so many devastating fires within Australia, my heart breaks for the people and wildlife who have lost so much.
"I wanted to let you know that we are safe. There are no fires near us at Australia Zoo or our conservation properties.
"Our Wildlife Hospital is busier than ever though, having officially treated over 90,000 patients. My parents dedicated our Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital to my beautiful grandmother.
"We will continue to honour her by being Wildlife Warriors and saving as many lives as we can."
