Lizzo takes time out from Australian tour to pack food hampers for bushfire victims
Lizzo has taken time out of her Australian tour to pack food hampers for the bushfire victims.
The bushfires have been ravaging Australia since September, with the situation worsening considerably in recent weeks. Now, an estimated half a billion animals have lost their lives, and reports of people "choking" on the fumes have been made in Sydney, as per the Telegraph.
Chris Hemsworth announces his pledge to the Australian fire services:
People throughout the world have been pulling together in a bid to help the situation, and while many high profile celebrities like Elton John have been making generous donations, when volunteers at the food donation charity, Foodbank, were informed that they would be receiving a special guest, the last person they expected to turn up on Wednesday was Grammy-nominated singer Lizzo.
In an interview with Insider, foodbank volunteer Emily said: "We knew someone would be visiting but we weren't told who. Usually, it's only politicians who visit so it was a pretty big deal."
"Safe to say everyone was freaking out, even the CEO looked so excited. Just shocked that it was really her and that she would make the time to come to Foodbank."
"She gave a little speech about how much she's always wanted to come to Australia and was sad that this coincided with the trip, but then saw it as an opportunity to come and spread awareness and do what she can while she's here," Emily said.
The Australian state has declared a bushfire emergency:
She contiued: "I was so excited that it was a bit of a blur! I remember her saying, 'Please let me know if you guys need anything, do you want some cupcakes?!'"
Emily met the 32-year-old star and said she was "everything you'd hope and expect her to be." The pair snapped a picture together, and Lizzo even initiated a group hug.
Foodbank also shared pictures of Lizzo on social media, writing: "Beautiful Lizzo stopped by... What a star, she even packed hampers for fire-affected regions. Thank you for the support."
Lizzo visited the Victoria Foodbank which is currently being run by 400 volunteers. They've packed 4,000 food hampers and counting to help those affected by the bushfires.
In addition to helping the volunteers, Lizzo was given a tour of the factory to see first-hand the good work that they are doing.
"She just really boosted morale and was so happy to take pictures and talk to everyone there," Emily told Insider. "Pictures don't do her justice, she is radiant and just as kind and welcoming as you would hope."
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.