Ricky Gervais Hits Netflix #1 and Donates His Mind-Blowing Earnings to Animals

Ricky Gervais has once again shown his generosity, donating nearly £2.5 million from his recent stand-up tour to animal charities.

The comedian, known for co-creating shows like The Office, Extras, and Netflix’s After Life, shared the news on social media, saying the gifts were “to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.”

The donations will benefit 22 animal charities, including Flori’s Friends Animal Rescue in Chartham Hatch, Retreat Animal Rescue in High Halden, and Safe Haven for Donkeys in Haywards Heath, West Sussex.

Four charities will receive £150,000 each, 17 will get £100,000, and the remaining £132,000 will go to Nowzad, an organization supporting animal welfare in Afghanistan and Ukraine.

Flori’s Friends Rescue, which helps paralyzed dogs with wheelchairs, will get £100,000 to cover costs and overheads. Founder Natalia George told BBC Radio Kent, “This is absolutely incredible news. Ricky has made such a difference to so many paralyzed dogs.”

Andy Foxcroft, CEO of Safe Haven for Donkeys, explained that Gervais’ donation comes at a critical time. “With demand for urgent veterinary care continuing to rise, this donation will help us keep our life-saving work going in extremely challenging conditions,” he said.

Nowzad founder Pen Farthing called the donation a “huge amount of money” and said, “We are just so chuffed that Ricky decided to donate some of that money to us.”

Gervais, 64, has a history of charitable giving, having donated £1.9 million from a previous tour in 2023. On Facebook, he shared the list of charities and added, “My mum always used to say ‘you can’t take it with you’. 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.”

This latest act reinforces Gervais’ reputation not just as a comedian, but as someone who uses his success to support causes close to his heart.

It’s inspiring to see a celebrity give back on such a large scale. Ricky’s choice to focus on animal charities shows a thoughtful approach to philanthropy, and it highlights the difference individuals can make when they use their platform for good. What do you think about Ricky Gervais donating millions to animal charities? Share your thoughts in the comments.