Metallica donate $50,000 to help Ukrainian refugees

Virgin Radio

5 Apr 2022, 14:07

Legendary heavy metal band Metallica has pledged $50,000 (£381,000) to help those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

The money will go to the World Central Kitchen (WCK) to help feed Ukrainian refugees after the devastating effects of Russian conflict in the country.

It comes after the band previously donated $10,000 to the organisation via its All Within My Hands foundation.

Bandmates James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo are aiming to raise a total of $1 million for WCK by the end of their Month of Giving, which has recently been extended to two months this year.

In a statement, Metallica drummer Ulrich said: "The work that (WCK founder) Chef José Andrés and the dedicated World Central Kitchen cooks do on the frontlines in a humanitarian crisis is nothing short of incredible. We are inspired, humbled, and beyond proud to support their teams currently in six European countries serving the millions of Ukrainians who have been forced to leave their homes.

"WCK represents everything that Metallica and our All Within My Hands foundation stand for by providing meals with dignity and hope worldwide."

As part of their efforts, the band will also be selling exclusive merchandise featuring a design by Andrew Cremeans, and all proceeds will be going to WCK’s #ChefForUkraine campaign.

All donations made through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation will also be doubled.

Metallica is one of many bands joining the effort to support those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

The band New Order has also released a charity t-shirt to raise money for the British Red Cross’ Ukraine Crisis Appeal, and The Cure has done the same.

Massive Attack also announced plans to sell off new artwork by them to raise money for the cause.