Hugh Jackman reveals Twitter charity donation winners

Hugh Jackman has split the A$100,000 he put up for grabs on Twitter between two charities in the first philanthropic exercise of the kind.

Operation of Hope and Twitter powerhouse Charity: Water will each receive A$50,000 from the Australian actor. Jackman provoked intense activity on Twitter after announcing on 14 April that he would give away A$100,000 to the one charity which presented the most compelling case for support in the Twitter format – 140 characters or less - on his page on the website. It was the first time a philanthropist had offered money to charity in this way.

After announcing the winning charities on American radio last Friday, 24 April, Jackman took to his Twitter page telling his more than 140,000 followers to “keep their generous spirit flowing”.

Development organisation Charity: Water was also the recipient of the US$250,000 raised in Twestival this February, which saw Twitterers around the world meet up in real life to raise money for the organisation. Charity: Water has more than 140,000 followers itself, and rallied its supporters to lobby Jackman to give the money to their cause.

Operation of Hope is an organisation of volunteer doctors who perform facial reconstructive surgery on children in developing countries. Both organisations are US-based.