Bruno Mars Helps Flint Water Crisis With $1 Million Aid

Singer Bruno Mars surprised the crowd with a donation of $1 Million towards the water crisis the city Flint is facing. Thanking the audience during the Detroit leg of his "24K Magic World Tour" in Auburn Hills, Michigan, Mars stated that $1 million of the proceeds from the said concert will be given to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.

According to Fortune, Mars made the donation along with Live Nation, who serves as the concert's promoter. Live Nation has joined the "24K Magic" singer on the 86-date tour covering Europe and North America.

The donation was gratefully accepted by Isaiah M. Oliver, President and CEO of Community Foundation of Greater Flint. In a statement, Oliver shared that Bruno Mars understood the issues the community is facing, and that they are touched by his generosity. Rolling Stone adds that the amount Bruno Mars gave will be transformative to the families and children of the city

The city of Flint has been dealing with the water issue since 2014, when the city's water source was switched from Lake Huron and Detroit River to the Flint River. These exposed the citizens to high quantities of lead through the drinking water, leading to many illnesses in the city. In 2016, after tests proved that the water was contaminated, citizens were advised to use either bottled or filtered water for cooking, drinking, cleaning and even bathing.

While the lead content in the city's water system has lowered and on the acceptable level as of 2017, using it is still discouraged until the replacement of all lead pipes are completed. The target completion date is 2020. Artists, Big Sean, Pearl Jam and Meek Mill, to name a few, also contributed and raised funds for the rehabilitation of the city's water supply on different occasions.

Bruno Mars, best known for his songs "Versace on the Floor," "Uptown Funk" and "Marry You" among others, is no stranger to philanthropy. Currently, Mars supports at least 8 charities and a minimum of 12 causes.

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