Quake survivor Salma Hayek’s $100k pledge
MEXICAN-born actress Salma Hayek has recalled her own ‘horrific’ earthquake experience in the wake of the capital’s devastation this week.
The Desperado star also pledged $100,000 (£74,123) to Unicef to help the victims of the tragedy and urged others to contribute too.
Speaking to camera in a video on the Crowdrise fundraising site, the visibly moved Oscar actress said: ‘After the 1985 earthquake in Mexico City, I was evacuated from my building.
‘A lot of friends died, including an uncle that was very, very close to me.
‘I have lived through the aftermath of a disaster of this magnitude and it is horrific.
‘I implore you, I implore to your hearts, to the goodness of your hearts, to your compassion, to help.
‘Anything you can give will make a big difference and for starters, I will match the first 100,000 that is donated.’
The 7.1-magnitude quake has killed more than 200 people, including 100 in the capital Mexico City.
Revealing her pledge on Instagram, Salma wrote: ‘The people of my country have now suffered three natural disasters in a row.’
Tuesday’s disaster followed an 8.1-magnitude quake off Mexico’s southern coast on September 7, while the country was also battered by Hurricane Katia two weeks ago.
Salma went on: ‘Many children and families are hurt and in terrible need. I’m contributing 100,000 now to Unicef which has teams on the ground responding.
‘Please join me and contribute what you can and thank you.’
Within hours of going live, Salma’s personal plea had raised more than $230,000 (£163,000).
Author: Anna Thomson
