Comedian Celeste Barber Breaks Facebook Record Bringing In $32 Million for Australian Wildfires
Comedian Celeste Barber raised $32 million in her Facebook fundraiser for Australian wildfire relief, amassing the largest donation to date on the platform.
Even more impressive, 32 million American dollars equates to 46 million Australian dollars.
The fundraiser's bump from just over $19K in donations to $32 million likely came when the comedian posted a heart-wrenching photo series to her Instagram Jan 3.
Expressing how much Australia needs help, Barber posted the view from her mother-in-law's Australian home. Orange flames and light fill the window spaces.
What's going on in Australia right now?
According to experts, Australia is currently experiencing the worst wildfires season it has seen in decades, with the flames tearing through everything in their path and destroying thousands of homes.
Since fire season began back in July, the fires claimed the lives of 27 people and an estimated 1 billion animals in the region.
Vox explains the loss of 17.9 million acres has not only ripped the homes away from many animals but put some in danger of going extinct, like the small marsupial species the Kangaroo Island dunnart.
Who is comedian Celeste Barber?
Celeste Barber is an Australian native. She is best known for her role as Bree Matthews on the popular Australian medical drama "All Saints."
In addition, the Australian actor also held roles in the 2015 comedy "How Not to Behave" and the 2017 comedy "The Letdown." Barber also acts as a writer and on-screen personality for The Matty Johns Show.
Barber may also be recognized from her viral Instagram photos where she recreates "hot" Instagram model or celebrity photos with a more realistic twist.
Which Facebook fundraisers broke records in the past?
While no past Facebook donations stand up to Barber's $32 million haul, other fundraisers were similarly successful on the social platform.
Back in 2018, a fundraiser in response to President Donald Trump's border policies aimed to help migrant families reconnect their members.
The 2018 fundraiser created by tech employees Charlotte and Dave Willner brought in $16 million, breaking Facebook records at the time.
A year prior, a Facebook fundraiser gathering money for Hurricane Harvey victims broke Facebook records with its $10 million haul.
What have other celebrities done for Australian relief?
While some celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian received criticism for delayed or private donations, other celebrities stepped up immediately.
Fellow Australians Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman pledged $500,00 each to the wildfires relief cause.
In addition, Chris Hemsworth donated $1 million.
"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. I've added links to support the firefighters, organizations and charities who are working flat out to provide support and relief during this devastating and challenging time," Hemsworth wrote on Instagram.