Brazilian footballer and former AC Milan star Ronaldo has donated 30 tonnes of food and toys to help the victims of heavy storms and flooding affecting the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina.

So far, the death toll has reached 120.  In reaction to the critical situation, Google has created a website with official information and data to make it easier to help the population.

Donations are pouring in from all over the world. $8 million U.S. has been donated thus far and the Brazilian government has allocated $411 million U.S to relief and rebuilding efforts.

Born Ronaldo Luíz Nazário de Lima 31 years ago in a poor neighbourhood on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro, Ronaldo became one of the best footballers of his generation. He has won two World Cups and is a three-time recipient of Fifa’s world’s best football player trophy.

Ronaldo has lent his superstar image as ambassador for the United Nations not only “to help end world poverty”, but also to promote world peace. He travelled to Kosovo during wartime and visited the Palestinian Autonomy and Israel as a peace emissary.

Making his donation on December 5th, he was quoted as saying he “saw everything with a great sadness and was thinking how he could help”.

Hamilton William dos Santos for RT