Australian singer and actress Kylie Minogue has become the latest celebrity to announce that she will be pledging a huge sum of money to the incredible Australian fire departments currently tackling the relentless bushfires across the country.
Last week, Australia declared a state of emergency in the worst-hit areas: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."
Minogue's donation comes just hours after New South Wales police confirmed that an eighth person has died from the bushfires on the state’s south coast. This brings the total number of deaths in the state as a result of the fires to 20, the Guardian reports.
Minogue joins several high profile celebrities who have donated huge sums of money to support the fire services and victims of the blazes.
Last week, "devastated" singer Pink also pledged $500,000 to the fire departments, writing: "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."
Actress Nicole Kidman also pledged half a million dollars to the fire departments, writing in an Instagram post: "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."
If you would like to donate to the incredible fire departments, please find the 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.