As news of dreadful bushfires ravaging Australia continues to spread around the world, a range of celebrities and big travel suppliers, from Russell Crowe and Kylie Jenner to Norwegian Cruise Line to United Airlines, are stepping in to help.
Russell Crowe and pop star Pink have already raised money for the cause. Other celebs to donate include Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, Kylie Minogue, Liam Hemsworth, Elton John, Kylie Jenner and Shane Warne.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, which operates the Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands, has committed AUD 250,000 to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund to support emergency relief efforts for communities affected by the unprecedented bushfires in the region.
“We are saddened by the devastation caused by the ongoing bushfires in Australia,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
“Our AUD 250,000 donation to the Australian Red Cross will go directly to relief and recovery efforts for those affected by these historic fires.”
Since July 2019, Australian Red Cross teams have responded to 30 bushfire related emergencies and supported over 18,600 people, through the efforts of more than 1590 volunteers and staff. The organisation has provided support to displaced people in more than 69 evacuation and recovery centres and is also providing emergency grants to help people who have lost homes in the fires cover immediate needs.
“While these bushfires are devastating and unprecedented, the support from people and organisations around the world to help Australia is truly heartening,” said Felicity Calvert, Head of Partnerships at Australia Red Cross.
MEANWHILE, United Airlines has joined forces with Ellen DeGeneres to support wildfire relief efforts in Australia.
“Australia needs our help as wildfires continue to devastate the continent that’s beloved by locals and travellers alike,” the airline stated on Friday.
“In times like these, the world gets a little smaller and we all have a responsibility to do what we can.
“On Monday, The Ellen DeGeneres Show announced a campaign to raise USD 5 million to aid in relief efforts. When we heard about Ellen’s effort, we immediately reached out to see how we could help.
“Today, we’re committing USD 250,000 toward Ellen’s campaign so we can offer support now and help with rebuilding. For more on The Ellen DeGeneres Show efforts and to donate yourself, you can visit www.gofundme.com/f/ellenaustraliafund
“We’re also matching donations made to the Australian Wildfire Relief Fund, created by GlobalGiving’s Disaster Recovery Network. This fund will support immediate relief efforts for people impacted by the fires in the form of emergency supplies like food, water and medicine. Funds will also go toward long-term recovery assistance, helping residents recover and rebuild.
“United will match up to USD 50,000 in donations, and MileagePlus members who donate USD 50 or more will receive up to 1000 award miles from United.”
“In addition to helping with fundraising, we’re staying in touch with our employees and customers in Australia. Together, we’ll help keep Australia a beautiful place to live and visit in the years to come.”
Edited by Peter Needham
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