US singer Pink pledges $500K to fight Australia wildfires

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

SYDNEY (AP) — American pop singer Pink says she is donating $500,000 to help fight the deadly wildfires that have devastated parts of Australia.

“I am totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires,” Pink tweeted Saturday to her 32.2 million Twitter followers. “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.”

The death toll in the wildfire crisis is now up to 23 people. The fires are expected to be particularly fierce throughout the weekend.

The wildfires, which have been raging since September, have already burned about 5 million hectares (12.35 million acres) of land and destroyed more than 1,500 homes.



FILE - In this Sept. 22, 2017, file photo, Pink performs at the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Festival Day 1 held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pink says she's donating $500,000 to help fight the deadly wildfires that have devastated parts of Australia. Pink tweeted that she's “totally devastated watching what is happening in Australia right now with the horrific bushfires.” (Photo by John Salangsang/Invision/AP, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/4b18816fa3a20fc6adece1d82f31e26f

[bucolic_frolic]

1. Will it get there in time?

Are the fire companies hiring more firefighters on the fly? Do they have the equipment for them to use?

While the prominent donation is surely heartfelt, I doubt it will have any effect on actually fighting the fire. Helping recovery and rebuild and supporting those displaced, yes, but no it's not going to extinguish much.

[Sapient Donkey]

3. Even if it doesn't have an immediate effect

I would think after the fires are out it will help them replenish, repair, and replace equipment and supplies that were used/lost during the course of fighting this season's fires. So, at worst it will help them be more prepared for next year. Although, I am not sure far half a million goes when it comes to this stuff.

[Skittles]

6. ?

the effects of natural disasters last long after the immediate threat is over - donations are very much important to Australia now. I have made two donations this week.

[IcyPeas]

2. that's awesome

maybe there could be another Live Aid type of global concert ..... to help fires and bring more awareness to climate change.

what's Bono up to these days?

[turbinetree]

4. I truly commend her for what she is doing......................

but the right wing PM needs to be held into accountable and the Tories running the country, for what is happening down there and the fossil fuel industry..................the PM was on vacation............................

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50979169

[oldsoftie]

5. Could we send over some of our water tanker aircraft?

Seems like every little bit would help at this point