Elton John has become the latest high-profile celebrity to pledge a huge sum of money to helping the victims of the bushfires currently raging through Australia.
The 'Rocketman' megastar, 72, revealed he was making the huge donation on Tuesday evening while on stage at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. The star had just flown back to the city after visiting LA for the Golden Globes awards.
In the video below, recorded by a fan at the concert, Elton John emotionally revealed how much he "loves" Australia in a heartfelt speech.
The video, which was shared by Instagram user chipsareready, was captioned: "At [tonight's] concert, @eltonjohn pledged $1M to the bushfire appeal. A great gesture from a great performer."
In his speech, Elton says: "You should all be in awe of the work the firefighters are doing. This is a magnificent country. To see what is happening here breaks my heart, so we have to come together, we have to fight. I love Australia so much.
"There are people out there who have lost their lives, trying to save homes. There are people who have lost their lives, and their homes."
As the crowd started to applaud the 'Candle In The Wind' singer, he added: "Therefore tonight, I will be pledging $1million."
Elton John joins a long list of high-profile stars who have donated huge sums directly to the firefighters battling the blazes and the victims affected by the bushfires.
Earlier today, Chris Hemsworth revealed that he and his family would be donating $1 million to help support the "firefighters, the people on the front line, the people who have suffered, the communities that have taken a hit and who are in desperate need of our support."
Watch Chris Hemsworth discuss Austalia's 'challenging time' below:Writing on Instagram, the Marvel star wrote:
"Hi everyone. 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! Love ya."
And yesterday, Wolf Of Wall Street actress Margot Robbie held back tears as she pleaded with the public to donate what they can.
Watch Robbie's emotional plea below:Through tears, Robbie said:
"I’m sure you’re all aware of what is happening in Australia at the moment with the fires… I wanted you to see how beautiful our country is, because it is so beautiful and it’s really hurting right now. It really, really needs you so please, please donate anything you can.
"Whatever you would have spent on your next cup of coffee, even one dollar would help. It’s so needed right now.
"Please, please if you haven’t already donated, please do and let’s give future generations the childhood I was so lucky to have.
Chris and his family become the latest in a long line of celebrities who have donated considerable sums of money to help the Australian fire services tackling the wildfires.
Yesterday, Australian singer Kylie Minogue revealed she would be pledging $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts tackling the resilient blazes. Writing on an Instagram post, the 51-year-old singer said:
"Last year I had the incredible opportunity of visiting some of the many beautiful places in my homeland for the first time. Returning home to such devastation throughout much of the country is heartbreaking. As a family, we’ve donated $500,000 towards the immediate firefighting efforts and the ongoing support which will be required. Big or small, from near or far, any support will help those affected by the devastating bushfires. With love, The Minogue Family."
This weekend, actress Nicole Kidman also pledged $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services, writing on her social media accounts: "Our family's support, thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires all over Australia. We are donating $500,000 to the Rural Fire Services who are all doing and giving so much right now."
And last week, singer Pink revealed she would also be donating $500,000 to the fire departments fighting the wildfires:
The 'Just Like A Pill' singer wrote to her followers: "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."
If you would like to donate to the brave services fighting these bushfires, please find the necessary information below...
How you can donate:
The NSW Rural Fire Service has multiple options for direct donations. You can donate to the RFS as a whole, or to specific brigades. You can donate through bank transfer, credit card or cheque.
For bank transfers, there is a set bank account (Account Name: NSW Rural Fire Service, BSB: 032-001, Account No: 171051). This account is for the RFS as a whole.
This link will take you to the landing page for credit card donations. You can donate to the RFS general fund or choose specific brigades from the dropdown box.
In Queensland, Fire and Rescue advise that you can donate both money and items through the website givit.org.au. The website allows fire-affected communities to list what they specifically need, from water tanks in Yeppoon to school uniforms in Zillmere.
In Victoria, the Country Fire Authority has two bank accounts - one for specific brigades and one for the general fund.
In South Australia, the Country Fire Service accepts donations through the CFS Foundation. You can donate to them here. You can also leave a bequest.
If you cannot find the particular brigade you are looking for, you can contact them directly.