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Irish actor Nicola Coughlan, best known for her role as Penelope Featherington in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, has successfully raised $2 million for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) through her social media efforts.

The PCRF expressed its gratitude to Coughlan on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Thank you to actress and ‘Bridgerton’ star Nicola Coughlan for your incredible support of PCRF and your fundraising efforts which totaled an astonishing $2M USD in support of our Urgent Gaza Relief and Recovery efforts. Thank you for using your voice to inspire support for peace and impacting the lives of thousands of displaced children and families in dire need, providing them with humanitarian aid and medical relief.”

The PCRF stats reveal that Coughlan’s fundraiser also received donations from the actor herself. The organisation says that through the support of people around the world, it provides food, water, clothing, medical care, and other essential aid to children in the Middle East.

Coughlan’s efforts have not only raised substantial funds but also increased awareness about the situation in Palestine, particularly during her promotional activities for Bridgerton.

She has consistently worn the Artists for Ceasefire pin during photoshoots and events, a symbol of her commitment to peace and justice.

In an earlier interview with USA Today, Coughlan explained her motivation: “I’m doing my dream job and I’m getting to travel the world, but then I’m hyper-aware of what’s happening in Rafah at the moment.”

Coughlan said her father was part of the UN’s Truce Supervision Organisation, a peacekeeping force in the Middle East. Her family also lived in Jerusalem in the late 70s, deepening her connection to the region.

Speaking to Teen Vogue in April, Coughlan expressed her sense of moral responsibility: “I think if I can hopefully raise funds for aid organisations, it would be a wonderful thing to do.”

Coughlan’s feat demonstrates the significant impact celebrities can have in advocating for global causes. Her dedication to supporting Palestinian children and families highlights the importance of using one’s platform for the greater good, inspiring others to contribute to humanitarian efforts around the world.