Chris Hemsworth donates $1m to help firefighters battling Australian bushfire, urges fans to follow suit
Chris Hemsworth has pledged around $1 million to help firefighters and residents affected by the Australian bushfires.
Hemsworth, 36, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel franchise, took to Instagram to announce his donation on January 7. He started the video by saying: "As you're well aware, the bushfires in Australia have caused massive devastation. They continue to burn, there's warmer weather on its way, we're really still in the thick of it here and there's plenty of challenging times ahead."
"What we need is your support and your donations. I'm going to put forward a million dollars and was hoping that all of you could contribute in any way, shape or form," he added. He went on to say that every dollar counts and that the money goes straight to the firefighters and the people who are in the frontline.
"I want to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who's sent well-wishes and donations already. It's greatly appreciated here in Australia," he continued. "Dig deep, lots of love and we'll keep pushing forward. Cheers." In the caption of the video, Hemsworth had written that he and his family would be contributing a million dollars for the cause.
"Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. In my bio I've added links to support the firefighters, organizations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time," Hemsworth shared.
Hemsworth is married to Elsa Pataky with whom he has three children: India Rose, 7 and twin sons Tristan and Sasha, 5. His pledge follows Celeste Barber's global fundraiser to help the firefighters. The fundraiser was able to beat its target goal of $40million. The money that has been raised will go to the registered charity NSW Rural Fire Service and Brigades Donations Fund.