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Celeste Barber's Fundraiser Passes $45 Million And She Sets New Goal

Celeste Barber's Fundraiser Passes $45 Million And She Sets New Goal

The Australian comedian has upped the target of her fundraiser to AU $50 million, which equates to £26 million

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

If you didn't already know - Celeste Barber is a boss. She proved the point recently by raising millions of dollars for the firefighters that are battling against bushfires across Australia. AU $45 million (£23,500) to be precise - and counting.

The 37-year-old comedian set up the fundraiser on Facebook and over 1.2 million people from across the globe have donated money - so much so that she's increased her goal to AU $50 million which equates to £26.1m or US $34.3m.

The fundraiser is showing no signs of slowing down.
Facebook

Posting the campaign on Facebook, Celeste wrote: "I'm raising money for The Trustee for NSW Rural Fire Service & Brigades Donations Fund and your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate a lot or a little. Anything helps."

The response to the appeal has been incredible, with pledges from all over the world helping to rapidly escalate the fund, which at times has been growing at a rate of £530 ($693) per second.

Celeste has been updating her followers.
Instagram/@celestebarber

Speaking to people that have donated, Api Robin (aka Celeste's Hot Husband) took to Instagram, saying: "Hi everyone, I just wanted to take this chance to say thank you. Thank you so much for all the support we've had for not only fundraising but for personal support - lovely, beautiful messages."

Api's mum and brother are both in Eden, NSW, Australia and he explained: "It's hard to see your mum under such distress and being terrified of what was coming their way."

Celeste added: "She's so scared and you've all been very, very good to us and thank you."

People are being evacuated from certain areas.
PA

Celeste isn't the only one helping Australia. US singer P!nk announced over the weekend that she was pledging $500,000 (£382,043) to help fight the bushfires.

In a tweet, she said: "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."

Actor Nicole Kidman - who was raised in Sydney - also matched P!nk's generous pledge.

The total death toll for the bushfires currently stands at 25 and it is also estimated that a billion animals have died, with fears that entire species could be wiped out.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated across the country, while 1,500 homes have already been destroyed by the fires.

Featured Image Credit: PA/Instagram/celestebarber

Topics: Australia News, News, Bushfires, Australia