Chris Hemsworth may just play one of the world’s best superheroes on-screen, but the actor proves to have the heart of a hero in real life, as well.
Hemsworth announced on his Instagram via video that he has pledged a donation of $1 million for the bushfire relief efforts in Australia. Born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, he and his family currently call the New South Wales Coastal town, Byron Bay, their home. Hemsworth says in the video:
As you are well aware, the bushfires in Australia have caused massive devastation. They continue to burn, there is warmer weather on its way, we’re really still in the thick of it here. There are plenty of challenging times ahead still to come.
He calls on his fans to support and donate to the relief efforts in “any way, shape, or form” and reminds us that “every dollar counts.” Hemsworth also thanks everyone who has sent well wishes and donations to his beloved homeland.
Per PBS News Hour, the ongoing fires “have killed at least 25 people, destroyed 2,000 homes and killed or displaced up to 480 million animals since September 2019. The blazes are estimated to have burned an area double the size of the state of Maryland.”
How to Donate & Support
If you would like to donate money to those helping on the front lines, including volunteer firefighters, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and NSW Rural Fire Service help support local fire brigades who are battling the blazes.
Save the Children is asking for donations to secure “Child Friendly Spaces,” and the Red Cross is currently on the scene assisting the communities affected by the disaster.
To help support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, Zoos Victoria is using donations for emergency veterinary care and “scientific intervention (such as exploring supplementary feeding for the animals who have survived, but whose habitats have been destroyed by the bushfires),” The Port Macquarie Koala Hospital is also accepting donations. According to the organization, “all money raised will be directed to the Wildlife Water Drinking Stations project and the establishment of the world’s first, Wild Koala Breeding Program.”
For those who are closer and would like to donate material goods, check with Givit.org for needed items. If you are able to open your house to those who have been displaced, or need a place to go, Find a Bed can help.
Our hearts and thoughts are with all of those impacted. Stay strong, Australia.
Related Article: Margot Robbie Confirms No Jared Leto Cameo for ‘Birds of Prey’