Chris Hemsworth Donates $1 Million To Bushfire Crisis And Urges People To 'Dig Deep'

Actor Chris Hemsworth has become the latest celebrity to donate their cash towards the efforts to fight the bushfires in Australia.

Melbourne-born Hemsworth and his family have revealed they've pledged AUD $1 million (£523,000 / US $687,000), and the Thor star has urged others to 'dig deep' so that everyone affected has the best chance of fighting the fires and rebuilding their lives.

He wrote on Instagram: "Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia. My family and I are contributing a million dollars.

"Hopefully you guys can chip in too. 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!"

PA

The link he provided directs people to donate towards the Australian Red Cross, the St Vincent de Paul Society, World Wildlife Fund, Wildlife Warriors, New South Wales (NSW) Rural Fire Service, Queensland Fire and Rescue, South Australian Country Fire Service, Victorian Country Fire Authority, Tasmanian Fire Service, Western Australia Fire and Emergency Services and the Community Enterprise Foundation.

He's also provided a link to comedian Celeste Barber's Facebook fundraiser, which has so far raised more than $41 million.

Billionaire James Packer has also pledged a whopping AUD $5m (£2.6m / US $3.4m) from his family and the Crown Resorts Foundation. He told the Daily Telegraph: "Australians are digging deep to support each other in these tough times, it's truly inspiring.

"We hope these funds play a small part in helping our fire fighters, and easing the suffering of people who have lost their homes and the poor wildlife caught up in the blaze. We just want to do our bit."

James Packer

Other massive donations from Aussie legends include Kylie Minogue and her family, and Nicole Kidman and her husband Keith Urban, who have pledged AUD $500,000 (£262,000 / US $343,000) separately. Big name celebrities like Selena Gomez and P!nk have also been incredibly generous with their money.

That's in addition to the federal government's AUD $2 billion(£1bn / US $1.4bn) funding package that will directly help those affected by the bushfires.

The National Bushfire Recovery Agency will work with state and federal agencies to ensure that people who have been involved in the devastating crisis will be able to rebuild their lives.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said earlier this week: "If further funds are required, further funds will be provided.

"We're focused on the financial cost, we're focused on the human costs, and ensuring we can do everything we can, as quickly as we can, to support that recovery effort."

If you want to help those affected by the bushfires, click here.

Topics: Celebrity, News, Bushfires, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie