Metallica are joining a wave of celebrities making big donations to help fight the devastating bushfires raging in Australia.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, the band announced they will be donating $750,000 through their foundation All Within My Hands to the relief efforts of the NSW Rural Fire Service and to the Country Fire Authority in Victoria.
RELATED: Kylie Jenner Donates $1 Million To Australia Fire Relief
“We are totally overwhelmed by the news of the wildfires sweeping through millions of acres across Australia, with major impact in New South Wales and Victoria,” the band said. “The resulting destruction and devastating effects on all residents, animals, the environment, and the incredible land in Australia is truly heartbreaking.”
The statement continued, “NSW RFS is the world’s largest volunteer firefighting organization and all funds donated during this State of Emergency are directed toward services related to and victims of these particularly destructive Australian bushfires.
“CFA (Country Fire Authority) is a volunteer and community-based fire and emergency services organization, which helps to protect 3.3 million Victorians, and works together with communities to keep Victorians safe from fire and other emergencies.”
RELATED: Elton John Pledges $1 Million To Australian Wildfire Relief During Sydney Concert
With almost 18 million acres of land destroyed by the fires, a number of stars across the music industry and Hollywood have pledged huge donations to the country’s firefighting and relief work.
Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban pledged $500,000, as have P!nk and Kylie Minogue. Elton John, Kylie Jenner and Chris Hemsworth have each pledged $1 million, and Ellen DeGeneres has launched a campaign to raise $5 million.
