Big-hearted actress Sandra Bullock has pledged $1 million to the Red Cross relief effort to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey.
The 53-year-old Oscar winner has been a long-time Red Cross supporter and the humanitarian organisation has now officially confirmed the generous donation.
Elizabeth Penniman, Vice President of Communications for the American Red Cross told People magazine:
Having someone like Sandra Bullock make this kind of commitment, it helps bring people together and open their hearts and be even more generous.
The devastation caused by the deadly storm means supplies and shelter are urgently needed for thousands of Americans, with 6,000 people having been displaced from their homes.
At a time of widening political divisions in America, Bullock hopes people will put their differences aside in the wake of the natural disaster:
There are no politics in eight feet of water.
There are human beings in eight feet of water.
Fans have responded to Sandra’s caring donation and inspirational message with renewed admiration for the Miss Congeniality star.
One person tweeted ‘we don’t deserve Sandra Bullock’, while another described her as being a ‘class act’:
The charismatic and much-loved star explained how she’s ‘grateful’ to be able to use her platform to lend a hand:
I’m just grateful I can do it,
We all have to do our part.
Watch a KHOU reporter flag down rescuers during Hurricane Harvey to help save a man:
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It’s always reassuring to see kindness prevail during times of tragedy and destruction.
Let’s hope Sandra’s story will inspire others to use their wealth and privilege for the greater good.
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.