Russell Crowe. Photo: Shutterstock
Actor Russell Crowe has made a donation towards the rebuilding of a well-known restaurant in Beirut after it was badly damaged by the devastating explosion on August 4.
The iconic Le Chef was said to have been left “in shambles” by the blast, according to the GoFundMe page set up to help restore it.
The explosion, which killed more than 200 people and injured thousands more, was caused by the containment of more than 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate which was being stored unsafely at the city’s port.
Along with hundreds of other contributions, the fund organizers said last Thursday they had received “a very generous donation” from someone named Russell Crowe, but that they were not sure if it was ‘the‘ Russell Crowe.
Crowe responded via his Twitter page by confirming that it was his donation and that it was intended to be made in memory of the late chef Anthony Bourdain who was said to be fond of the popular dining spot.
“I thought that he would have probably done so if he was still around,” Crowe posted.
“I wish you and LeChef the best and hope things can be put back together soon.”
Also Read: Lebanon Explosions: Ways You Can Help
On behalf of Anthony Bourdain.
I thought that he would have probably done so if he was still around. I wish you and LeChef the best and hope things can be put back together soon. https://t.co/VHYCJujJ6y— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) August 13, 2020
Bourdain, who passed away in 2018, ate at Le Chef during two visits to the city and commented on it during his documentary No Reservations, back in 2010:
“Le Chef is a legendary spot in Beirut, famed for its simple, straightforward, home-style classics.”
Located in a residential area called Gemmayze nearby to the site of the explosion, the fundraiser for the restaurant and it’s said to be “beloved frontman” Charbel Bassil, was created by filmmaker Amada Bailly and journalist Richard Hall.
Thanks everyone who shared & donated to the campaign to rebuild Le Chef, & @russellcrowe for a huge boost. We've reached the initial target, which covers repairs. Any further donations will help staff and their families until it can reopen. ✊🇱🇧https://t.co/bhy13nm6d2
— Richard Hall (@_RichardHall) August 13, 2020
The original target for the restaurant fund was set at $13,000, but it reached it within just 24 hours of going live. This was including the $5,000 helping hand from Crowe. The organizers have since said, however, that they will continue to accept donations as they come in to be able to offer some support to the restaurant’s staff and families until it is able to reopen again.
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