Madonna, Chris Rock and Ben Stiller among first celebrities to donate funds for the victims of the New Zealand terror attack

Celebrity donors have given many tens of thousands of dollars in order to help support the victims of the New Zealand terror attacks which saw around 50 people killed and several wounded last week. 

Amongst the biggest names to donate to the fund were Madonna, Chris Rock, Josh Brolin, and Ben Stiller. The funds aimed to raise around $100,000. Guy Oseary who is Madonna's manager had set up the appeal after the horrific attacks on two mosques in New Zealand. Oseary offered around $18,000 to the fund which made him the largest single donor with Madonna following next with her $10,000 donation. 

The world's largest concert promotions company Live Nation Entertainment which is run by Michael Rapino donated around $5,000 along with Chris Rock. An anonymous donor donated around $9,000. Other celebrities who donated to the fund included the likes of Ashton Kutcher, Amy Schumer, and Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner and husband of Karli Kloss. While writing on the appeal page, Oseary shared, "My heart breaks for the victims and for their families."

"I’ve started a campaign to support those affected by this tragedy at this very difficult time, and making a personal contribution of $18,000 on behalf of my family to the victims of this terrorist attack. We will work with GoFundMe to ensure all funds are transferred to an organization providing support to the families and community. We will provide additional information about the distribution of funds as soon as it becomes available and are actively researching the best organizations in New Zealand to receive what is raised. Please join me in helping," he continued. 

All Blacks star Sonny Bill Williams, who is a Muslim, has partnered with the Muslims Around The World Project (MATW) to raise funds for the victims' families. Donations are being accepted through the not-for-profit organization's website. 

In the wake of the deadly mass shooting which rocked New Zealand and the world, many tearful students were seen performing a haka which a traditional Maori spirit dance outside of the Al Noor mosque which was one of the two mosques that were targeted. Earlier, a Maori cleansing ceremony had been performed at the mosque which brought together many Kiwis, Muslim leaders, as well as local officials. 

The Australian shooter Brenton Tarrant recently fired his lawyer and revealed his plans to defend himself in court after he was charged with murder over the deadly attack. Tarrant is presently facing only one charge but more charges are to be added in the upcoming days. He is expected to appear in the High Court on April 5.