Celebrities, News | March 17, 2020

How Celebrities, Athletes + More Are Giving Back During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Celebrities, News | March 17, 2020

While we all practice social distancing during, the coronavirus pandemic is, in other ways, bringing the world together—just look at the Italian citizens harmonizing in Siena as proof. Some celebrities, athletes and team owners are doing more than boosting morale, though—here’s a look at those who are giving back during the coronavirus pandemic.

Ryan Reynolds + Blake Lively Make A $1 Million Donation

Ryan Reynolds and Blake LivelyPhoto Credit: JStone/Shutterstock.com

Ryan Reynolds managed to poke fun at his long-suffering buddy Hugh Jackman AND announce that he and wife Blake Lively were making a $1 million donation, to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, in his Instagram post, below. He also called COVID-19 an “asshole” and has since become our new hero.

 

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I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an asshole. If you’re able to help, visit, @feedingamerica and @foodbankscanada

A post shared by Ryan Reynolds (@vancityreynolds) on


Bethenny Frankel Is Raising Money + Assembling Sanitization Kits

Bethenny Frankel Photo Credit: Ron Adar/Shutterstock.com

The “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel announced on her Instagram page that she is “assembling hydration/sanitization kits for thousands who can’t afford the price gouging happening in the sanitization space right now. We have also raised $50k to start our initiative that will provide cash cards for families who can’t afford their children’s lunches if they don’t attend school.”

Justin Timberlake Is Giving Back To His Hometown  

Justin TimberlakePhoto Credit: JStone/Shuttestock.com

“Sexyback” singer Justin Timberlake‘s ability to give back is just as sexy as his songs. He shared that he would be donating to the Mid-South Food Bank in his hometown, Memphis, Tennessee.  “This is a crazy time, but remember we’re all in it together,” Timberlake wrote. “Start small and support your local communities by getting food out to those in need.”

 

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I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of concern and support over the last 24 hours. I have gone through so many emotions since learning of my diagnosis…mostly fear, anxiety, and embarrassment. The first and most important thing is I would like to publicly apologize to the people that I may have endangered. At the time, I had no idea I was even infected. I was careless and make no excuse. I hope my story serves as a warning and causes everyone to take this seriously. I will do whatever I can to support using my experience as way to educate others and prevent the spread of this virus . I am under great care and will fully recover. Thank you again for all your support. I encourage everyone to take all of the steps to stay safe and healthy. Love.

A post shared by Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) on

According to the NBA, the Utah Jazz’s Rudy Gobert, who was among the first celebrities to be diagnosed with COVID-19, is donating more than $500,000 to support the employee relief fund at Vivint Smart Home Arena and COVID-related social services.

 

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A post shared by Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) on

Lady Gaga, who has ties to both New York and Los Angeles, shared that she donated 20 percent of her cosmetics company Haus Labs‘ online profits last week to local food banks in both cities.

Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry and his chef/restaurateur wife Ayesha announced that they’re supporting Feeding America as well as local organizations in Oakland, Calif. “It takes a village,” Ayesha wrote on her Instagram page. She’s not wrong.

Justin BieberPhoto Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com

Italian Designer Donatella Versace Is Supporting Her Country

 

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❤️??

A post shared by Donatella Versace (@donatella_versace) on

Fashion designer Donatella Versace and her daughter, Allegra, are giving back to the country which, outside of China, has been hit the hardest by the coronavirus, making a donation of $200,000 Euros to the San Raffaele hospital in Milan. “In times like this, it is important to be united and support however we can to help all those who are in the front lines, fighting every day to save hundreds of lives,” she said in a statement on her Instagram account.

 

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My thoughts and sympathies are with all those whose lives have been affected by COVID-19, especially those who have lost loved ones. I always think about the doctors, nurses and other medical professionals at times like these too. The outbreak is putting a huge strain on them – and their families – all over the world. I come from a family of doctors – my dad is a doctor and so are my brother and sister – so I know first-hand the huge pressures they face, the selflessness of their work, and the deep sense of duty they feel, especially during crises. When you grow up with a doctor as a parent, you also know the concern that comes with having a loved one who can be exposed to risk while helping others. That’s why I wanted to share two quick stories – about how medical professionals are looking out for each other, and how people are showing their appreciation for them. There is a fantastic group on Facebook called @show_me_your_stethoscope – a community of nurses that has grown to more than 600,000 members over the last five years. Their motto is “nurses take care of patients, we take care of nurses.” I first learned about them in 2017. During the COVID-19 outbreak, they are posting in the group to keep each other up to date on the facts, share tips on hygiene and how to best educate their communities, and provide each other with love and support as they prepare to be on the frontlines of the response as the situation escalates. Last month, a group in Singapore called @standupforsg found a way to show their appreciation for the medical professionals dealing with the outbreak by writing handwritten messages of thanks and encouragement and posting pictures of them on Facebook with the hashtag #braveheartsg. In a matter of days there were hundreds of messages and they were being publicly praised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. They have passed these messages and other things, from candy bars to thousands of boxes of hand sanitizers, directly to medical staff in Singapore. To all the doctors, nurses and others on the frontline of this emergency – thank you. We are so grateful for everything you are doing.

A post shared by Sheryl Sandberg (@sherylsandberg) on

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, in conjunction with her local Silicon Valley food bank, pledged $5.5 million to launch the COVID-19 Emergency Fund for Feeding Families.

Bong Joon Ho and Suga Donate Funds For Face Masks + Sanitizers In South Korea

Bong Joon Ho
Bong Joon Ho

Photo Credit: DFree/Shutterstock.com

South Koreans Bong Joon Ho, the director of “Parasite,” as well as BTS member Suga, have both made donations of more than $82,000 to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, according to Newsweek, stating that the funds will reportedly be used to distribute much-needed face masks and hand sanitizers.

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