Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest donates $48M to fire relief efforts

Billionaire Andrew Forrest is the latest big name to donate toward relief efforts as deadly brush fires burn in Australia.

According to CNN, the Minderoo Foundation, a nonprofit founded by the Australian businessman and wife Nicola Forrest, announced Thursday that it had pledged $70 million Australian – or about $48 million U.S. – to the cause.

Today we launch the Minderoo Fire Fund. A comprehensive $70 million relief package designed to not only respond to the ongoing crisis and rebuild communities, but to establish long-term resilience by funding research into and applying new techniques in fire and disaster relief. pic.twitter.com/OQBQJ0JkBp
— Minderoo Foundation (@minderoo) January 9, 2020

The donation includes a $50 million Australian (about $34 million U.S.) "investment to support the development of a long-term blueprint for fire resilience," as well as $20 million Australian (about $14 million U.S.) for immediate relief funding and mobilizing volunteers, the organization said.

The news came days after several celebrities, including Chris Hemsworth, Pink, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, pledged money toward relief efforts.

View this post on Instagram

Hi everyone. Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia. My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. In my bio I’ve added links to support the fire fighters, organisations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time. Beyond appreciative to everyone around the world for their well wishes and donations. It really does make a difference, so dig deep! Love ya.

A post shared by Chris Hemsworth (@chrishemsworth) on Jan 6, 2020 at 6:34pm PST

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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/kyjDbhoXpp
— P!nk (@Pink) January 4, 2020

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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.

A post shared by Nicole Kidman (@nicolekidman) on Jan 4, 2020 at 3:10pm PST

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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. - KU

A post shared by Keith Urban (@keithurban) on Jan 4, 2020 at 3:27pm PST

Celeste Barber, an Australian comedian, also started a Facebook fundraiser that had raised more than $33 million by Thursday morning.