Bruno Mars donates $1m to Flint water crisis victims

Bruno Mars has pledged to donate $1 million from a
concert in Michigan to aid those affected by the Flint
water crisis.
The Grammy-winning singer made the announcement
at a show in the state on Saturday night.
Mars said he and tour promoter Live Nation would
redirect funds from the performance at Auburn Hills
to the Community Foundation of Greater Flint.
The charity in part supports residents affected by
lead-contaminated drinking water, which led to a
state of emergency being declared in 2014.
Experts also linked 12 deaths from a Legionnaires'
disease outbreak to the improperly treated water.
A state of emergency was declared in 2016 after
the water crisis broke
In a statement, Mars said: "I'm very thankful to the
Michigan audience for joining me in supporting this
cause.
"Ongoing challenges remain years later for Flint
residents, and it's important that we don't forget our
brothers and sisters affected by this disaster."
Mars, who was born and raised in Hawaii, is currently
travelling across the US for his 24K Magic World
Tour. His latest album 24K Magic recently achieved
double platinum status.
The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the source
of the city's water supply was switched to the Flint
River. Due to insufficient water treatment, it was
later found to contain dangerous levels of lead.
A state of emergency was declared in January 2016
and residents were urged to drink bottled water
instead. Replacement of lead pipes is not expected
to be completed until 2020.
US President Donald Trump commented on a visit to
the midwestern state: "It used to be that cars were
made in Flint and you couldn't drink the water in
Mexico.
"Now cars are made in Mexico, and you can't drink
the water in Flint. That's terrible."

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