The outspoken comedian has donated almost £2.5 million from his latest stand-up tour to animal charities — using his success to give back to the causes closest to his heart in the run-up to Christmas.
The 64-year-old star revealed the huge gesture on social media, confirming that 22 animal charities across the UK and beyond will benefit — including rescues in Kent and West Sussex, alongside organisations working in some of the world’s most dangerous regions.
“These are the lovely charities I’ve chosen,” Gervais wrote.
“Merry Xmas, critters.”
In typical fashion, he followed the announcement with a dose of dark humour — and a nod to his late mother.
“My mum always used to say, ‘You can’t take it with you,’” he joked.
“No I can’t, mum. But I could’ve bought 30 speedboats and raced them round the Med with my mates.
Anyway. Too late now.”
Millions for animals — again
This isn’t the first time Gervais has turned tour profits into life-changing donations. In 2023, he handed over £1.9 million to animal charities following another successful run.
This year’s donations include:
- £150,000 each to four charities
- £100,000 to 17 organisations
- A final £132,000 to Nowzad, the animal welfare charity operating in Afghanistan and Ukraine
Among the recipients is Flori’s Friends Animal Rescue in Chartham Hatch, Kent, which will receive £100,000 to support its specialist work with paralysed dogs.
The rescue provides wheelchairs for animals with spinal injuries — helping them live full, active lives.
Founder Natalia George described the donation as “absolutely incredible”.
“Our mission is to normalise disabilities in dogs,” she said.
“Ricky has made such a difference to so many paralysed animals.”
Helping animals in war zones
The donations also come at a critical time for organisations working overseas.
Safe Haven for Donkeys, based in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, said Gervais’ generosity would help sustain emergency veterinary work in Gaza and the West Bank, where demand has surged under extreme conditions.
Meanwhile, Nowzad, headquartered near Exeter, delivers animal welfare in conflict zones including Afghanistan and Ukraine.
Founder Pen Farthing said the donation was transformational.
“For us, this is a huge amount of money,” he said.
“We’re just so chuffed that Ricky decided to support us.”
A cause close to his heart
Gervais has long been outspoken about animal rights — frequently using his platform to campaign against cruelty and exploitation.
Earlier this year, he paid tribute to the dog who played his beloved companion in Netflix hit After Life, following the animal’s death — a moment that deeply resonated with fans.
While known for his sharp tongue and controversial humour, moments like this reveal a softer side to the comic who made his name with The Office, Extras, Derek and After Life.
This Christmas, Ricky Gervais isn’t just delivering punchlines — he’s delivering hope, care and second chances to animals who need it most.
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Bài viết Ricky Gervais has done it again — quietly handing away a fortune while cracking jokes about the money he didn’t spend on speedboats. đã xuất hiện đầu tiên vào ngày HOT.