An online fundraiser launched by Australian comedian Celeste Barber has raised over $30 million toward relief for Australia’s devastating bushfire crisis.
Barber, 37, who earned a fanbase with her uncanny celebrity parodies on Instagram, began the fundraiser on Facebook on Jan. 3, 2020, with a call to arms. She wrote:
“Please help any way you can. This is terrifying.”
Within hours, the dollars were amassing at great speed. The comedian, who has 6.5 million Instagram followers, reached donors from as far away as the United States and Europe in her bid to raise funds for the New South Wales Rural Fire Services (RFS) and Brigades.
On Jan. 4, Barber took to Twitter to update her fans. “This is where your money is going,” she posted. A screenshot then gave context by saying that $4 million would be enough money to purchase 40,000 masks for firefighters, equivalent to approximately half the total New South Wales fire service.
Barber’s target of $30 million was in sight after only four days, owing to the generosity of over 1 million donors. Followers and donors alike left messages of support for Barber’s initiative, for those enduring the bushfires, and for those bravely battling the blazes.
“From taking a few fun photos to being able to make a difference in the world,” one person reflected. “Who would have thought a few years ago of the power the internet would give you.”
“Phenomenal result. This is a wonderful way to use your voice and platform to raise awareness and funding,” commented another. “Even my family in Germany have donated too! This truly has gone global. Just freaking amazing!”
According to the Daily Mail, Barber kept her social media followers regularly updated after the launch of the fundraiser. Responding to feedback, Barber then decided to extend the donation beyond RFS in order that it might reach as many deserving recipients as possible countrywide.
The comedian also informed her followers that some of the money would go toward helping the families of people who had lost their lives as a result of the fires.
“So many people need help I can’t wrap my head around it,” Barber posted, as quoted by ABC, “so much wildlife, it’s absolutely devastating. I’m going to keep pushing; I think we get as much as we can. I mean, we’ve already got so much but we have to help people completely rebuild their lives.
“I’m going to have a talk to the RFS today about where the money is going to go and I'll keep you guys up to date,” she explained. “Thanks so much world, again.”
In the wake of the fundraiser’s success, however, concerns arose that it could take months for the money to actually reach people in the areas of Australia most affected by the bushfires.
“[Barber’s] people have spoken to our executives and are in ongoing discussions as to what will be done with the money when it comes through,” an RFS spokesman told the Daily Mail. “Nothing has been finalized as yet and it will take some time for those funds to be transferred, sometimes up to 90 days.”
In the meantime, though, the shared desire to help alleviate the suffering of a country in crisis has united millions of people and amassed a life-changing sum of money.
“People are amazing. Power to the people,” Barber told 7 News. “Someone needed to do something and the people did something.”
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