Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the world has come to a halt and people everywhere are grappling with declining economic opportunities. The shortage of medical and safety equipment has also placed the healthcare professionals at great risk. Under these extraordinary circumstances, a few celebrities have come together to contribute to the coronavirus relief efforts. Here is a list of some of the prominent Hollywood stars who have stood in solidarity with the global fight against the pandemic:
Pink
Pink, the renowned American singer, announced on April 3 that she along with her 3 year old son had tested positive for coronavirus. She has ever since offered $1 million to health care workers. In a post on Instagram, she wrote: "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 honor of my mother, Judy Moore, who worked there for 18 years in the Cardiomyopathy and Heart Transplant Center.
"Additionally, I am donating $500,000 to the City of Los Angeles Mayor's Emergency COVID-19 Crisis Fund. THANK YOU to all of our healthcare professionals and everyone in the world who are working so hard to protect our loved ones. You are our heroes!"
Oprah
On April 2, Oprah announced that she would also donate $10M to coronavirus relief efforts.
"I was struck by the work these organizations are doing and while everyone's priority right now is to stay safer at home, I know there are many of us looking for ways to help. I believe that America's Food Fund will be a powerful way to make a difference for our neighbors in need and am committing $1 million to this fund to support those facing food insecurity. I am donating $10 million overall to help Americans during this pandemic in cities across the country and in areas where I grew up,” she posted on Instagram.
Loenardo DiCaprio
In co-operation with Apple, Ford Foundation, and Laurene Powell Jobs, Leonardo DiCaprio launched America's Food Fund, with $12M on GoFundMe, to provide food to local communities.
He said: "In the face of this crisis, organizations like World Central Kitchen and Feeding America have inspired us all with their unwavering commitment to feed the most vulnerable people in need. I thank them for their tireless work on the frontlines, they deserve all of our support."
Rihanna
On March 21, it was announced that Rihanna had donated $5M to the coronavirus relief efforts through her nonprofit organization Clara Lionel Foundation.
"When we first began this year, never could we have imagined how COVID-19 would so dramatically alter our lives. It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, this pandemic will affect us all. And for the world's most vulnerable, the worst may be yet to come," read a statement from the foundation.
Jack Dorsey
The CEO of both Twitter and digital platform Square announced on April 7 that he would contribute $1B of equity in Square to his Start Small Foundation.
"Why now? The needs are increasingly urgent, and I want to see the impact in my lifetime. I hope this inspires others to do something similar. Life is too short, so let's do everything we can today to help people now,” he tweeted.
Jessica Alba
In an appearance on The Tonight Show, the actor told Jimmy Fallon that she has already donated with her foundation 3 million diapers, 20,000 wipes, 20,000 personal care products.
She said: "That is the No 1 need for families right now who are living in poverty but also families who are out of work."
Taylor Swift
The singer has announced that she would help out her fans, who are going through financial difficulties amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
"I was so speechless. I couldn't believe someone I had looked up to and love and respected for so long has reached out with such generosity," Samantha Jacobson, one of the fans. According to another fan, Taylor had sent $3K with a writing that read, "Holly, you've always been there for me. I want to be there for you right now. I hope this helps. Love, Taylor."
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively
On March 16, the celebrity couple announced on Instagram that they would donate $1M to two food banks.
"Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families. Blake and I are donating $1 million to be split between FEEDING AMERICA and FOOD BANKS CANADA,’ Reynolds wrote.
On March 24, Ryan also announced that 30 percent of the online proceeds of his spirit company Aviation Gin would go to the United States Bartender's Guild until May 1.
Kylie Jenner
On March 25, Kylie Jenner donated $1M to help equip healthcare professionals with necessary protective gear.
Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi, Kylie's OB-GYN wrote on Instagram: "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. One of my patients, a beautiful Living Angel just donated $1,000,000 to help us buy hundreds of thousands of masks, face shields, and other protective gear which we will have delivered directly to our first responders, as too many masks at hospitals are disappearing before making their way onto the faces of our front line heroes."
Ariana Grande
According to a TMZ report, the singer has been helping out her fans with monetary donations ranging from $500 to $1,500.
