Hamilton grieves for defenceless animals
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton is the latest star from the world of sport to donate money towards the Australian bushfire appeal.
British driver Hamilton has said he will pledge US$500,000 (£380,000) to charities affected by the fires, BBC Sport reports.
On Instagram, the Mercedes ace said: “It saddens me deeply to know that over 1 billion animals in Australia died a painful death, no way out, not their fault.
“My love of animals is no secret and I can’t help but grieve for the defenceless animals thought to have died so far, pushing certain species closer to extinction.
“I’m lucky enough to visit Australia often and I know first-hand how beautiful the country is.
“Keep fighting Australia. I’ve spent some time speaking to people in Australia who are working at the heart of this and I’m filled with admiration for everything they are doing.
“I implore you to join me in thinking about the impact we are having on our planet.
“Let’s work together to make small changes, and encourage our family and friends to do the same, so we can help shift the direction we’re going in.”
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Warne’s Test cap raises AU$1m at auction
Australia cricket legend Shane Warne has raised AU$1,007,500 (£528,514) for the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund after selling his “baggy green” Test cap at auction.
Spin king Warne, 50, said he was “blown away” by the winning bid. He wrote on Twitter: “Thank you so much to everyone that placed a bid & a huge thankyou / congrats to the successful bidder - you have blown me away with your generosity and this was way beyond my expectations! The money will go direct to the Red Cross bushfire appeal. Thankyou, Thankyou, Thankyou.”
Australia’s Commonwealth Bank was the winning bidder and it will take the baggy green cap on a national tour to continue raising money. The cap will then be housed permanently in the Bradman Museum.
Tennis rallies together with 'Aces For Bushfire Relief'
%u27A1 #RallyForRelief - Wednesday, 15 January - Rod Laver Arena.
%u27A1 AO Music For Relief - Sunday 19 January - AO Live Stage.
Support and raise much needed funds to help those most in need %u27A1 https://t.co/A2e1E37Z4W
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 3, 2020
Tennis stars rally to raise funds
Melbourne is gearing up to host the Australian Open grand slam this month and many tennis stars have rallied to help raise funds for the bushfire crisis.
Earlier this week it was announced that Rafael Nadal, Serena Williams and Roger Federer will play in a fundraising event on Wednesday 15 January - five days before the Australian Open starts.
The “Rally for Relief” exhibition match will also feature Aussie star Nick Kyrgios and Australian Open women’s singles defending champion Naomi Osaka.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios will donate AU$200 (£106) for every ace he hits during events in Australia in January and world No.8 Belinda Bencic has also pledged AU$200 for every double fault.
The 22-year-old Swiss said: “I’m not the best at hitting aces but much better at double faults.
Serena auctions signed dress
American 23-time grand slam winner Serena Williams will auction a signed dress she wore during her first-round win at the Auckland Classic earlier this month.
She said: “I have so many friends in Australia and it’s just been really tragic all around. I just keep asking every day to people back home or in Australia, what can I do? Is there anything I can do? It’s literally devastating for me and I’m sure a lot of other people feel the same way