Our Heroes Eggboy And Magda Szubanski Are Raising Funds For Bushfire Victims Mental Health

Thanks to the generosity of people across the country — and the world — millions of dollars has been raised for fire services battling the blazes in Australia.

But when those bushfires are eventually put out the people affected will still be dealing with the trauma of losing homes, businesses, animals, and in some cases friends and family members.

Now two national treasures, Magda Szubanski and Will “Eggboy” Connolly, have teamed up to raise money for ongoing mental health support for those affected.

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Pls share So we (@willconnolly__ aka “Eggboy” and I) have started a gofundme “Bushfire trauma/mental health Support Ongoing” to raise money for ppl traumatized and affected by the bushfires. As we post this families are hunkered under wet blankets, praying they will survive #bushfiresaustralia Some have lost their homes, livelihoods and even their loved ones (both human and animal) Long after the fires have burnt out many people will still be suffering emotionally and psychologically. Many mental health groups only provide short term help. Once the fires are no longer in the media, show them that you still care and are there for them for the long haul. Please give what you can. We are liaising with Beyond Blue and other mental health organizations to make sure this money will go to the right places. Thanks in advance and blessings 🙏🏻❤️ gofundme link in bio #beyondblue #bushfire #lifeline @beyondblueofficial #australiafires

A post shared by Magda Szubanski (@magda_szubanski) on Jan 4, 2020 at 7:39pm PST

According to the GoFundMe page, they are working with mental health charities like BeyondBlue to make sure the money is distributed where it is most needed.

Will said he reached out to Magda after feeling helpless watching coverage of the fires, which have burnt through more than six million hectares, destroyed more than 1500 homes, killed an estimated half a billion animals, and claimed the lives of at least 22 people.

“There’s a lot of money that’s being pumped into short term but we decided to shine a light on something different, something for the long term,” he said.

As I type families are hunkering under wet blankets praying to survive #AustraliaOnFire This trauma will last long after the last embers have died out. Please, show you care @_willconnolly and I have started a gofundme for long term mental health support https://t.co/HoTH5e0hQP

— Magda Szubanski AO (@MagdaSzubanski) January 5, 2020

Magda has long been a campaigner for mental health, and Will is also not a newbie when it comes to fundraising — last year he donated $100,000 to those affected by the Christchurch terrorist attacks.

Their fundraiser has been up for less than 24 hours but has already surpassed their initial goal of $30,000.

To donate, visit their GoFundMe page here.