More and more stars are doing what they can to help in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus outbreak.
On Tuesday (March 24), Arnold Schwarzenegger shared on Instagram that he had helped create a GoFundMe page called the “Frontline Responders Fund” in order to provide medical professionals with badly needed masks, gowns and gloves and other critical supplies for their protection in the frontlines against the virus. He himself donated $1 million to the fund.
“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,” Arnold wrote. “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. I donated 1 million dollars, and I hope that all of you who can will step up to support these heroes,” he added. “Go to the link in my bio to help out.”
Sadie Robertson, on the other hand, is reaching out to a very specific group of people – brides whose weddings were canceled/postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
“I know so many people are being affected by COVID-19 in many different ways, but a group of people that has especially been on my heart lately are the ones who have had to cancel/postpone their weddings due to the circumstances,” Sadie wrote on Instagram. “Being a bride this past year, I know how much planning, scheduling, anticipation and excitement goes into your wedding day. I have been racking my brain with what I can do to help, and I know nothing can fix the frustration that would come having to cancel or postpone your wedding, but I would love to encourage you on what would have been your big day.”
With instructions to fill out forms telling her about their love stories, Sadie noted that she would be sending those brides special gifts on their dates, plus a free three-month membership to her empowerment website, LO Fam, which offers “prayer, support, and encouragement” in an online community.
Rihanna‘s Clara Lionel Foundation announced on Saturday that it donated $5 million to the COVID-19 rapid response efforts in the United States and across the globe.
“CLF is supporting on-the-ground partners working on the frontlines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities – helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come,” a statement read. “Over the past five years CLF has been one of the first organizations to respond to some of the world’s most devastating natural disasters, and they have seen firsthand the profound and unintended consequences of not being prepared.”
They’ve partnered with organizations such as Partners In Health, Direct Relief, Feeding America, the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, and the International Rescue Committee to help support local food banks serving at-risk communities and the elderly in the United States, acceleration of testing and care in countries like Haiti and Malawi, mobilization of resources and additional capacity and support for Native communities, fund protective equipment for frontline health workers and diagnostic labs, establishment and maintenance of intensive care units, and acceleration of the development of vaccines and other therapies across the globe and more.
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively announced that they have donated a total of $1 Million to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada (Ryan is originally from Canada) to help provide for those struggling to access meals.
“I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an a—hole,” Ryan wrote on Twitter.
“Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families,” he said in the statement posted. “Blake and I are donating $1 million to be split between FEEDING AMERICA and FOOD BANKS CANADA. If you can give, these orgs need our help.”
“Take care of your bodies and hearts,” he continued. “Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection. (Hugh Jackman’s # is 1-555-😢-HUGH.)”
Vanessa Hudgens has also made a donation to Feeding America, and shared a screenshot on her page. She also urged her followers to join her in helping.
“It’s a crazy time out there in the world. School closures, job disruptions, lack of paid sick leave and the coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on adults age 60 and older and low-income families are all contributing to the demands placed on food banks across the country. Join me in supporting @feedingamerica today. Let’s help each other out rather than freaking the f–k out. Kk?” she wrote on Instagram.
Kristen Bell and her family have been spreading some cheer by donating to No Kid Hungry amid the coronavirus outbreak. According to the organization, the actress and her family donated a total of $150,007.96.
“NKH has always been there for kids who need them. They work tirelessly to provide food for the hungry bellys all over this country. I encourage anyone with the means to share to donate as well, any amount helps, so we can get through this together,” Kristen shared, explaining, “(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 thier piggy bank. I couldnt have been prouder to add that extra, and important 7 dollars and 96 cents.😍”
In addition to their NKH donation, Kristen and Dax, who own residential properties in Los Angeles, are also waiving rent for their tenants.
“Kristen and Dax are waiving the April rent for the buildings in L.A. they own,” Kristen’s rep confirms. “The manager (Dax’s sister) emailed all tenants this weekend to give them the good news.”
“The message expressed empathy and encouragement, and promised to work with residents going forward as best as possible as everyone learns to adjust to the public health crisis,” the rep continued.
Meanwhile, other stars are giving back to the communities they call home.
Singer-songwriter James Taylor and his wife, Kim, made a contribution of $1 million to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in support of the institution’s ongoing efforts to battle the pandemic.
“There is no question that it’s a point of pride for New Englanders to claim the MGH as their hospital – our hospital – and this is especially true today with the threat coming from a new and insidious virus,” James said in a statement. “Kim and I want to be part of this fight. We have been so inspired by the courage and sacrifice of the health care heroes in the trenches who are working so hard to protect us all.”
Justin Timberlake is donating to the Mid-South Food Bank in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee.
“This is a crazy time, but remember we’re all in it together,” he wrote on Twitter. “Start small and support your local communities by getting food out to those in need.”
He also urged those who can help to do so.
Stephen and Ayesha Curry are helping to provide meals to students in Oakland who can no longer attend school due to shutdowns by partnering with Alameda County Community Food Bank.
“Oakland is closing schools bc of COVID-19. We support this decision but are concerned a/b the 18,000+ kids that rely on school for 2+ meals daily,” Stephen captioned the video explaining how they have partnered with a food bank to do just that. “@eatlearnplay is donating to @ACCFB to ensure every child has access to the food they need. Join us & donate https://bit.ly/33iJBwX.”
Ciara and Russell Wilson, on the other hand, are donating $1 Million to Seattle’s Food Lifeline.
“The world needs us ALL. These are unprecedented times. We are supporting our community in Seattle by donating 1 million meals with Seattle @FoodLifeLine,” Ciara captioned her post. “Rally with us and support your local food bank @FeedingAmerica We can all make a difference together. Let’s all keep the Faith during this difficult time.”
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet also made a generous donation to his hometown, Kansas City, Kansas.
“I am donating 200,000 meals to @HarvestersORG in Kansas City,” he shared on Twitter. “Lindsay and I love our hometown and want to help do what we can. 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.”
Houston Texans’ JJ Watt and wife Kealia Ohai also recently donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank.
Following Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order putting “New York State on Pause,” another husband and wife team are also giving back – Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa. Entertainment Tonight reports that the couple donated $1 million to the New York Governor’s office for coronavirus relief efforts. The contribution will reportedly go towards the purchase of urgently needed ventilators. In addition, some of the funds are being allocated to WIN, an organization that runs 11 women’s shelters in NYC.
Notable names in the fashion industry are also stepping up to help NYC.
Project Runway star Christian Siriano and Next in Fashion’s Ashton Michael have volunteered to manufacture masks to supplement the supply of masks for healthcare workers on the frontlines in New York City.
“If @NYGovCuomo says we need masks my team will help make some. I have a full sewing team still on staff working from home that can help,” Christian tweeted.
“😷ASSIST HOW YOU CAN 😷 . ASHTON MICHAEL is focusing on those who need assistance the most. While we should all be following the polices of quarantine and isolation , aiding in preventing this spread is a concern for us. We are taking the utmost precautions and focusing on the elderly community and organizations and communities in need,” Ashton shared on Instagram.
