Metallica, Elton John, Others Donate in Relief of Australian Fires — And You Can, Too

The fires ravaging Australia right now are devastating — with as much as one billion wild animals feared dead so far, not to mention extensive damage to a huge amount of land. Inspired by the desire to aid those affected by the wildfires, Metallica announced a sizable donation in relief funds, and encouraged fans to contribute as well.

Via Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, with which the band raised money back in November to combat the fires up and down California, a $750,000 donation was made to help in any way possible.

A statement from Metallica:

We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria. The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking.  

Please join us and do whatever you can to assist as we, along with our foundation All Within My Hands, are pledging A$750,000 to the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria to aid in the relief efforts.

NSW RFS is the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organization and all funds donated during this State of Emergency are directed toward services related to and victims of these particularly destructive Australian bushfires.

CFA (Country Fire Authority) is a volunteer and community based fire and emergency services organisation which helps to protect 3.3 million Victorians, and works together with communities to keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.

Learn more about NSW Rural Fire Service and how you can help at https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/news-and-media/general-news/how-you-can-help

Learn more about Victorian Country Fire Authority and how you can help at https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/about/our-mission

Feel free to contribute as well.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B7CpqddHeEo/

In addition to Metallica’s efforts, substantial donations have also come from Sir Elton John, who announced his during a concert:

BREAKING: Elton John has closed a concert in Sydney by pledging one million dollars for Australia's bushfire recovery efforts.#australiafire #AustralianWildFires #AustraliaisBurning pic.twitter.com/5u44fF4lfz

— Tom Williams (@tom__williams) January 7, 2020

Further, the Sydney Morning Herald noted other sizable donations from P!nk, Chris Hemsworth, and more, with estimated donations reaching more than $140 million as of Wednesday.