Shawn Mendes starts relief campaign for Mexico

23 September 2017:Pop star Shawn Mendes on Friday announced a $100,000 donation for earthquake-hit Mexico as he urged fans to open their wallets for relief efforts.

The 19-year-old Canadian singer was in Mexico City preparing to perform the following day when the 7.1-magnitude tremor struck on Tuesday, killing nearly 300 people.

"While I cancelled my concert out of respect and for safety, being there during this tragedy and seeing the devastation firsthand made me want to do whatever I could to help those impacted by this tragedy," he wrote on a fund-raising page where he invited fans to contribute.

His appeal came after US celebrities rushed to support victims at home of hurricanes Harvey and Irma, including through a nationally televised telethon that raised $55 million.

Mendes, best known for his hits "Treat You Better" and "Stitches," said proceeds from his initiative would go to the American Red Cross which is working with counterparts in Mexico.