The Sydney Opera House is showing its support for the firefighters amid thecatastrophic wildfires in Australia.
On Saturday night, the landmark projected images of the heroic first responders who continue to risk their lives each and every day as they work to contain the fires burning across New South Wales.
Four photos were brightly displayed across the opera houses’ sails — three of which showed firefighters standing together and interacting with community members in need.
One image captured an emotional moment between a first responder and a woman who were embraced in a tight hug. Another photo showed a handwritten sign with hearts that read “Thank You Firies,” the Australian nickname for firefighters.
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The touching tribute first appeared on the sails at around 8:30 p.m. local time and remained on display until 11 p.m., according toThe Sydney Morning Herald.
In a statement to the outlet, the Opera House’s chief executive Louise Herron echoed their tweet and said that “as difficult circumstances continue,” the images were meant to “send a message of hope and strength to the people of Australia.”
Besides showing their support externally, the Opera House is set to host a comedy gala fundraiser in partnership with Live Nation on March 16 calledComedy Steps up For Bushfire Relief, according to theMorning Herald.
A number of Australian and international performers, including American comedian Arj Barker andThe Simpsonsstar Harry Shearer (Mr. Burns), are expected to perform at the fundraiser, which will take place on the Opera House Steps.
All proceeds will go to several bushfire causes, including the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, the NSW Rural Fire Service, Wildlife Victoria, and WIRES, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organization, theMorning Heraldreported.
Since September,at least 27 people have been killedwhile a whopping 12 million acres have been wiped out, destroying hundreds of homes and buildings. A seven-day state of emergency was declared on Dec. 23.
As of Sunday night, the NSW Rural Fire Serviceconfirmedthat there were still 105 bush and grass fires burning across the region — 38 of which were not yet contained.
Last week, ecologists from the University of Sydney said over 1 billion animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, arefeared dead from the crisis.
source: people.com
