Meghan Markle is honoring those who have made a difference during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duchess of Sussex made a surprise appearance on Sunday’s (December 13) CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute, marking her first public appearance after revealing that she suffered a miscarriage in July.
During the pre-taped video, Meghan expressed her thanks to the “quiet heroes” who gave back and continue to support others amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“In a year that has been universally challenging for everyone, I’m inspired by the stories of compassion in our communities. Across the country, people have put their own needs aside to come together and support the collective well-being of those around them,” Meghan said.
“Back in March, the COVID-19 crisis hit hard, and overnight everything seemed to change. For many families, the impact of the pandemic has been catastrophic, and far too many were faced with the heartbreaking question: How am I going to put food on the table for my family? But in the face of this devastating reality, we also saw the power of the human spirit and the remarkable ways that communities respond in challenging times. We saw the good in people, in our neighbors and in entire communities coming together to say they would not stand by while our neighbors went hungry,” she continued.
“We saw communities standing up and taking action. When kids’ lunch programs came to a halt, we saw our neighbors make sure that those children received the nutrition they need. And when those who are immunocompromised or most vulnerable couldn’t leave their homes, we, as a community, showed up to deliver the food they needed to their doorsteps,” Meghan went on. “We know the value of food; as nourishment, as a life source, and in the moments of crisis, the warmth of a meal can feel as comforting as a much-needed hug — especially in the absence of human contact due to the social distancing we’re all experiencing.”
“These moments reminded so many that they’re cared for. Tonight, we are celebrating these quiet heroes, some of whom I know and others that we applaud from afar. These individuals stood up and made sure the most basic needs of our communities were met. They made sure those around them did not have to suffer in isolation. They nourished their neighbors in more ways than one,” she added, concluding, “And they showed us, all of us, that even in the darkest times, when we come together, we have the power to remind someone else that there is hope, and that we will be okay.”
Meghan and hubby Prince Harry have been volunteering and supporting important causes since they arrived in Los Angeles.
In April, they donated $112,000 – earnings from their May 2018 wedding broadcast – to the U.K. charity Feeding Britain and personally delivered meals to people living with critical illnesses through Project Angel Food.
Prince Harry also took time to bring some comfort to vulnerable families during this difficult time – he sat down for a video chat with parents of seriously ill children, offering up encouragement and praise as he listened to their stories and struggles.
In May, the Sussexes celebrated Archie’s first birthday by supporting a good cause – helping kids struggling due to school closures amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Duchess of Sussex read a story for charity – the beloved children’s story, Duck! Rabbit! – with her adorable baby boy helping turn the page. The precious clip, which was shot by Prince Harry, was posted on Save The Children’s Instagram account and shared on Save With Stories Instagram.
In June, they spent some time cooking and chatting with the Homies of Homeboy Industries – an organization working to improve the lives of formerly incarcerated and previously gang-involved people in L.A.
In August, just a month after losing their unborn child, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex volunteered at a Baby2Baby drive-through event in South Los Angeles, where they helped distribute school supplies, books, backpacks, clothing, food, hygiene items and more to local families – and their kids – in preparation for the new school year.
