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From Justin Bieber to Rihanna, Stars Are Giving Back During the Coronavirus Outbreak

15/04/2020 - 08:05 PM

As the coronavirus pandemic [1] spreads and forces many businesses to close, celebrities are rallying together to help those in need [2] and aid in relief efforts. Stars like Rihanna [3], Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga [4], Taylor Swift [5], Blake Lively [6], Ryan Reynolds [7], Ciara, and Russell Wilson have all stepped up and donated to food banks and charities, while others like John Legend, Charlie Puth, and Chris Martin are putting on live at-home performances [8] for fans who are self-isolating. With everything going on in the world, it's refreshing to see celebrities using their platforms to make a positive impact. Ahead, see how stars are giving back during this sensitive time.

Rihanna

In March, Rihanna [10]'s Clara Lionel Foundation gave $5 million to bolster coronavirus response efforts, helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean, and Africa. The singer also donated medical supplies [11] to New York. "I would like to thank Rihanna [12] and the Rihanna Foundation for donating personal protective equipment to New York State," Governor Andrew Cuomo tweeted. "We're so appreciative of your help and that of so many others who have stepped up." The following month, she and Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey teamed up to donate $4.2 million [13] to help victims of domestic violence affected by the stay-at-home order in LA.

Ariana Grande

The singer announced on Instagram in March that she would be supporting the Opportunity Fund, Feeding America, the World Health Organisation, and the Italian Red Cross.

Pink

In April, Pink revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 after she and her 3-year-old son, Jameson [14], began to show symptoms. She made a full recovery and pledged donations to medical facilities. "In an effort to support the healthcare professionals who are battling on the frontlines every day, I am donating $500,000 to the Temple University Hospital Emergency Fund in Philadelphia in honour of my mother, Judy Moore, who worked there for 18 years in the Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant Centre," she wrote on Instagram. "Additionally, I am donating $500,000 to the City of Los Angeles Mayor's Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund."

Selena Gomez

The singer made a donation to LA's Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in March to show her gratitude for everything they've done for her. In 2017, Selena received a kidney transplant [15] at the hospital.

Kerry Washington

In an April interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon [16], Kerry revealed that she's partnered with MedShare [17], an organisation that delivers medical supplies and equipment to communities in need. Her financial aid will specifically support hospitals in her hometown of the Bronx, NY.

Taylor Swift

On her Instagram Story, the singer revealed that she donated an undisclosed amount of money to the World Health Organisation and Feeding America [18]. She has also been reaching out to fans who have been personally affected by the coronavirus pandemic [19] to help pay their bills.

Kylie Jenner

The beauty mogul donated $1 million to Los Angeles hospitals in March. Kylie's doctor, Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, announced on Instagram that the donation was made to help her and other doctors buy masks [20], face shields, and other medical supplies.

"I am speechless, my eyes are filled with tears of joy and my heart is overwhelmed with gratitude. I made a wish to the Universe to gather protective masks for our brave healthcare workers and today my dream came true," Dr. Aliabadi wrote on Instagram. "I have never felt more blessed to be a doctor, as helping our brave ER and ICU workers feels just as gratifying as helping my own patients. From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU @kyliejenner ❤️. You are my hero. This generous donation will help save many precious lives. Our world is a better place with you in it. I love you so much."

Elton John

In April, Elton revealed his nonprofit, the Elton John AIDS Foundation [21], was launching a $1 million coronavirus emergency fund to protect those affected by HIV. "Our new COVID-19 emergency fund will help front-line partners to prepare for and respond to the pandemic and its effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalized communities," he said from his Los Angeles home in a video posted on social media. "We must keep up momentum or else the results could be disastrous for people living with HIV and other infectious diseases. We're with you, we're thinking of you, we will not leave anyone behind."

JAY-Z

The music mogul's Shawn Carter Foundation teamed up with Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation [22] in March to donate $2 million in COVID-19 relief efforts in NYC and LA. The funds will go to support undocumented workers, the incarcerated, homeless and elderly populations, and children of frontline healthcare workers.

Justin Bieber

In February, the 26-year-old singer donated 200,000 RNB ($29,000) to the Beijing Chunmiao Children Aid Foundation in China to assist with coronavirus relief efforts. "I know it's a very scary time in your country right now, but my prayers and support go out to you guys," Justin said in an Instagram video. "You guys are amazing."

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo teamed up with philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs to launch America's Food Fund [23]. The foundation will work with hunger relief organisations World Central Kitchen [24] and Feeding America [25] to help low-income families, the elderly, people affected by job disruptions, and children who rely on school lunch programs. As of April 2, America's Food Fund has raised $12 million.

"In the face of this crisis, organisations like World Central Kitchen and Feeding America have inspired us all with their unwavering commitment to feed the most vulnerable people in need," Leonardo said in a statement [26]. "I thank them for their tireless work on the frontlines, they deserve all of our support."

Kate Upton and Justin Verlander

Justin, a pitcher for the Houston Astros, announced he and wife Kate will donate his MLB paycheck to different charities providing coronavirus relief. The contributions will be made weekly. "As soon as the first paycheck is received we will be highlighting the first organisation," Justin wrote. "We know everyone is impacted by this crisis, but for those who are able, we encourage you to stay home to help flatten the curve and look to those around you who need a helping hand."

Angelina Jolie

In March, the actress donated $1 million [27] to No Kid Hungry. "As of this week, over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to coronavirus," Angelina told People in a statement. "Many children depend on the care and nutrition they receive during school hours, including nearly 22 million children in America who rely on food support. No Kid Hungry is making resolute efforts to reach as many of those children as possible."

Cody Simpson and Miley Cyrus

Cody and Miley showed their gratitude for healthcare workers by delivering 120 taco meals to a nearby hospital on April 4. "So grateful for these true legends of our time dedicating their lives to battling this pandemic," Cody captioned a gallery of photos and videos from their visit. "Show some love to yours in your community!"

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka, along with BON V!V Spiked Seltzer, are donating $100,000 to women who are "overcoming the struggles of our new realities in their own powerful way." Priyanka made the announcement on Instagram in March.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg [28] announced that his restaurant chain, Wahlburgers, will pay for Beaumont Hospital workers' lunches [29] in Michigan. He also revealed that the facility received a donation of iPads for patients to communicate with their families and caregivers.

Nina Dobrev

The actress announced that she's donating $10,000 to "help purchase masks and important medical supplies for various hospitals."

Bruno Mars

In March, the singer donated $1 million [30] to help MGM employees who have been affected by the coronavirus. "The people at MGM have given Bruno Mars the rare opportunity to be able to continuously gig while he's in the creative process of working on his next album," his rep told ET Canada in a statement. "With the closures across Las Vegas, Bruno wanted to show his appreciation to the amazing employees who help make these shows possible in hopes that we'll all be out of this situation and having fun together again very soon." Bruno has been performing at The Park Theatre at Park MGM since 2016.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

The couple pledged $1 million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada in March. "Though we must be distancing ourselves to protect those who don't have the opportunity to self quarantine, we can stay connected," Blake said in an Instagram statement. "We can all do something for one another, even if that's simply staying home." They also made a donation of $100,000 each to hospitals in New York [31] including Elmhurst, NYU Hospital, Mount Sinai, and Northern Westchester.

Ciara and Russell Wilson

In March, the pair showed their support for their community by donating one million meals to Seattle food bank Food Lifeline. "People are losing loved ones — the elderly and the young, the people in between," the NFL quarterback said in an Instagram video. "What we've decided to do is partner up with our local food bank in Seattle, Seattle Food Lifeline, and we're gonna donate a million meals, hopefully make a difference."

Lady Gaga

The singer's cosmetics company, Haus Labs, announced in March that it would donate 20 percent of its week's profits to local food banks in LA and NYC. The following month, Gaga announced that she and Global Citizen [32] raised $35 million with the help of corporate leaders, tech companies, and philanthropists.

Steph and Ayesha Curry

In March, the couple's foundation, Eat Learn Play, made a donation to the Alameda County Community Food Bank and Feeding America "to help ensure no child has to worry about where their next meal is coming from."

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

Kanye West donated an undisclosed amount of money [33] to the Dream Centre in Los Angeles and We Women Empowered in his hometown of Chicago in March. Kim Kardashian is also donating 20 percent of the proceeds [34] from her shapewear brand Skims to Baby2Baby's COVID-19 Emergency Response Program.

Kristen Bell

Kristen and her kids [35] donated $150,007.96 to No Kid Hungry in March. "NKH has always been there for kids who need them. They work tirelessly to provide food for the hungry bellies all over this country," the actress wrote on Instagram. "The reason the number is odd, is because when my kids overheard me making the donation, they asked if they could also donate the money from their piggy bank. I couldn't have been prouder to add that extra, and important 7 dollars and 96 cents." Along with the donation, Kristen and Dax Shepard waived rent collection [36] in April for their apartment tenants in California.

Justin Timberlake

Justin announced in March that he was donating to the Mid-South Food Bank, which is in his hometown of Memphis, TN. "This is a crazy time, but remember we're all in it together," Justin tweeted. "Every. little. thing. helps."

Eric Stonestreet

The Modern Family star donated 200,000 meals to Harvesters food bank in Kansas in March. "I'm only posting this to maybe motivate you to do what you can, when you can, if you can, to help vulnerable families in our community during this time," he wrote on Instagram. "Right now, Harvesters is considered an essential service and they are working to get as much food to people as they can."

Dierks Bentley

After Nashville bars were ordered to shut down in March, the country singer announced he would be giving each of his 90 employees at Whiskey Row Nashville $1,000 to "help in the short run as our community and country try get a handle on the situation."

Kevin Love

After the NBA suspended the rest of its season in March, the Cleveland Cavaliers star donated $100,000 through his foundation to help Cleveland arena staff. "I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities," he wrote on Instagram. "Pandemics are not just a medical phenomenon. They affect individuals and society on so many levels, with stigma and xenophobia being just two aspects of the impact of a pandemic outbreak."

Jimmy Fallon

The late-night host and his family made a donation to Feeding America in March. "Right now I'm thinking about what we can do to help our most vulnerable populations — children who are losing the one meal they may rely on per day, our friends and family who are facing job issues, the elderly, and low-income families," Jimmy said on Instagram. "My family made a donation to @FeedingAmerica, who are working tirelessly to feed those in need around the country."

Donatella and Allegra Versace

In March, the fashion designer and her daughter, Allegra, donated $213,677 to the intensive-care department of Milan's San Raffaele hospital to fight against the coronavirus. "Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease," Donatella said in a statement. "This is when we, as a society, need to stand together and care for one another."

Bong Joon-Ho and Suga

The Parasite director and the BTS singer donated [37] more than $164,000 toward coronavirus disaster relief efforts in South Korea in February.

Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa

The couple donated $1 million [38] to aid in relief efforts in March. According to People, their donation will go to the New York Governor's office, which will help purchase ventilators and aid the WIN organisation, which runs several women's shelters in NYC.

Bethenny Frankel

The former Real Housewives of New York City star star has been raising funds to put together kits [39] with masks for medical professionals due to the shortage of supplies. "#BStrong has now committed to 150k+ masks to be distributed to Mass. General, UCLA, Cedars Sinai, Mt. Sinai, NYU, Newton Wellesley, and more hospitals all over the country - this is because of YOU!" she wrote on Instagram. "Thousands of dollars are coming in by the minute and we need to keep it going! Our healthcare workers cannot protect themselves and need support. We are also donating #coronakits to healthcare workers who need hydration, sanitization, and immune building supplies."

Shawn Mendes

Shawn's foundation made a donation to Canada's SickKids Foundation in March to "help support urgent screening and preventing of COVID-19."

Arnold Schwarzenegger

The former California governor donated $1 million to a GoFundMe account called Frontline Responders Fund, which is run by an organisation called Flexport. "I never believed in sitting on the couch and complaining about how bad things are, I always believed we should all do our part to make things better," he wrote on Instagram in March. "This is a simple way to protect our real action heroes on the frontlines in our hospitals, and I'm proud to be part of it."

Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston

The Breaking Bad stars followed in Ryan Reynolds [40]'s footsteps to donate a portion of his Aviation Gin sales to out-of-work bartenders by donating 30 percent of all proceeds from online orders [41] of their Dos Hombres Mezcal throughout May. The funds will go to the United States Bartender's Guild, which has set up an emergency assistance program to help bartenders affected by the coronavirus.

Dolly Parton

In April, Dolly announced on Instagram that she's donating $1 million to Vanderbilt University towards research of the coronavirus.

Emilia Clarke

Emilia asked people around the world to donate money to her SameYou charity in an Instagram video in March. The organisation assists people recovering from brain injuries and strokes and its new initiative is to make beds for coronavirus patients and help people recover from brain injuries at home in order to free up more beds. Twelve donors will be chosen for a virtual dinner with the actress.

Oprah

Oprah announced that she is donating a total of $10 million to various organisations, including America's Food Fund [42], to help people during the pandemic.

Tom Brady

In April, Tom partnered up with private aviation company Wheels Up to donate 10 million meals to Feeding America.

Cardi B

The rapper donated 20,000 bottles of OWYN [43] (a plant-based meal replacement supplement drink) to NYC hospitals in April so that medical staff can stay nourished while fighting coronavirus. She also teamed up with Fashion Nova to donate $1,000 every hour until May 20 [44] to those affected by coronavirus.

Madonna

Madonna donated $1 million [45] to the Gates Philanthropy Partners's COVID-19 Therapeutics Accelerator. "Her contribution is alongside the commitments by the Gates Foundation, Wellcome, Mastercard, U.K. Government and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – all partners in the initiative," her rep told Variety in a statement. "The money will go through the COVID-19 Response Fund operated by Gates Philanthropy Partners, so not directly to the Gates Foundation."

Halsey

The singer donated 100,000 face masks to four medical facilities in California in April. "Every single day I am in awe of the medical workers on the frontlines. Their determination, selflessness and empathy is the single greatest example of our capacity to love and survive as humans," she wrote on Instagram. "Please continue to stay home, if you can. If you are on the frontlines, my heart is with you. And I will be continuing the fight to help you get the support and resources you need."

George and Amal Clooney

The couple donated $1 million to coronavirus relief [46] in April.

Sandra Bullock

The actress donated 6,000 N95 masks [47] to health care workers in LA.

Matthew McConaughey

After hosting a game of virtual bingo [48] with a senior care facility in Texas, the actor and his family donated 80,000 masks [49] to police and fire stations in Austin in April.

U2

In April, the Irish rock band donated over $10 million [50] to help with the purchasing of personal protective equipment in Ireland.

Ryan Seacrest

The Live With Kelly and Ryan host donated $1 million to help with coronavirus relief efforts [51] in NYC and LA in April. "New York and Los Angeles are very special places to me and so I wanted to do something in the immediate to give back in these unprecedented times," Ryan told People. "After seeing a news report about first responders sleeping in their cars in New York to avoid putting their loved ones at risk, I wanted to do something to help make sure these New Yorkers stay safe while they're away from their families busy taking care of ours."

Lupita Nyong'o

In April, the actress made a donation to NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and their Healthcare Workers Fund "to support the physical and emotional wellbeing of their staff."


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