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The devastating wildfires currently happening in Australia have burned more than 18 million acres, impacted at least half a billion animals and killed 27 people, according to CNN.

And people around the globe have stepped up to either help try to control the fires or assist in recovery, from celebrities at the Golden Globes putting out the call to donate money (and donating some of their own) to volunteer firefighters and everyday humans offering their time and aid. (Take a scroll through social media for tons of viral videos and images of people stopping to rescue injured and displaced wildlife, including these teens who filled their car with wounded koalas.)

Locally, actress Miranda McGee (frequently seen onstage at the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company), an Australian citizen, is doing her part to help her homeland by hosting an Australia Day fundraiser at Queen City Radio on behalf of the American Australian Association Inc. to benefit the Red Cross, Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Australian Bushfire Relief Fund.

The Rescue the Down Under event takes place from 2-8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26 and will feature a silent auction, drink specials, a raffle, the Chicken Mac Truck food truck, live music, drag performances and a "possible special celebrity appearance," says a release.



“I was overwhelmed by the support for my homeland,” says McGee about the event in the same release. "To have local breweries, theaters, sports teams and Cincinnati institutions reach out and offer to donate silent auction items and experiences plus having local companies wanting to match what we raise at the event has been incredibly humbling and has shown me the heart that the Cincinnati community has.”

The bar will be accepting donations via cash or credit and there is a GoFundMe page set up for anyone who wishes to give. Donations to the American Australian Association are tax deductible.

Queen City Radio is located at 222 W. 12th St., Over-the-Rhine.