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The Coronavirus quarantine is impacting us across the globe. Our favorite celebrities are also inside their homes and many are asking, “What can I do to help?”
Celebrities are using this time to inspire; some are donating money to those in need, others are fundraising and finding creative ways to help. Here’s how some stars are using their time to be positive influencers - even behind closed doors.
Rihanna donates $5 million in aid
Aside from impacting the world with her music and fashion, Rihanna is an inspiring trendsetter when it comes to philanthropy. Rihanna has announced that her Clara Lionel Foundation is donating $5 million to those working in the front lines of COVID-19. Her donation will buy protective gear for hospitals and hand out respiratory supplies as well as help local food banks for seniors. She especially wants to help those in need from Malawi, the US and Haiti.
Rihanna explains that we are in this together and must all lend a hand. When she was recently honored by the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), she called upon everyone to help fix this world together. With her generous donation, she is keeping to her word - and she hopes we will follow.
Michelin chef turns restaurants into gourmet soup kitchens
Eight restaurants belonging to celebrity chef José Andrés are now serving take-out lunches to the needy in New York City and Washington, DC. The kitchens are being run by volunteers and the grab-and-go meals are available at a subsidized price of $7 reported the New York Post.
“Those who cannot afford to pay will be welcome as well,” said Andrés. People can also help by donating meals to those who cannot afford to pay.
Sunday service locations for free grab-and-go meals in The Bronx & Queens! #ChefsForAmerica pic.twitter.com/PoO2ne6qzC
— World Central Kitchen (@WCKitchen) March 22, 2020
True to his word, Chef Andrés’ Twitter profile says, “We all are Citizens of the World. What's good for you, must be good for all. If you are lost, share a plate of food with a stranger...you will find who you are.”
Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donate $1 million to food banks
The star in Deadpool and the actress in Gossip Girl are stepping up to the plate. Their generous donation will go to Feeding America and Food Banks Canada to provide meals to the elderly, children and families in need.
The married couple announced their generous donation in two separate and empowering tweets. “Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who's isolated and might need connection,” tweeted Reynolds.
If you can, give to: https://t.co/WYvxVdz0Y1 and/or https://t.co/H9AtTAdBnt pic.twitter.com/QAshjLKmlk
— Blake Lively (@blakelively) March 17, 2020
Lively’s words on Twitter also inspire. “Remember the love that can travel through all this. Communities are stepping up - shopping for the elderly, making lunches for children. We can all do something for one another, even if that's simply staying home.”
"Magical Shipment" of medical supplies donated by TV series
A few popular TV Series have stockpiles of medical equipment that is greatly needed in these times. Grey’s Anatomy and The Resident are donating hospital gowns and gloves to local hospitals, while Station 19 is donating masks to two fire stations.
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Krista Vernof, executive producer and screenwriter for Grey’s Anatomy commented, “We are all overwhelmed with gratitude for our health care workers during this incredibly difficult time, and in addition to these donations, we are doing our part to help them by staying home.”
Basketball stars give charity to stadium workers
It all starts with one amazing move – this time off the basketball court. Kevin Love, an NBA player from the Cleveland Cavaliers offered $100,000 to help workers laid off at the stadium. On the Today Show he explained, “People are feeling a certain way about it so I think it's more of a time for us to step up and be leaders, to be community leaders and do what is right for the people that are having a very stressful and tough time."
His generosity sent ‘dribbles’ through the basketball world. Glamour reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo, MVP player with the Milwaukee Bucks, has donated $100,000 as has fellow player Khris Middleton.
Modern Family star helps feed needy families
If you’re a fan of Cam from the Modern Family, you’ll also like the actor behind this character. Eric Stonestreet has tweeted that he is donating 200,000 meals to Harvesters in Kansas City, his hometown. He is intent on inspiring others to reach out as well.
I am donating 200,000 meals to @HarvestersORG in Kansas City. 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.
— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) March 19, 2020
Announcing his donation, he tweeted, "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."
Fans pledge and athletes give
With sports competitions on hold, athletes now have more time on their hands - and their fans are following them with interest. Over 75 professional athletes have joined forces in an ongoing Coronavirus fundraiser called Athletes Relief. To date, donors have pledged over $6,000 to bid for a jersey signed by soccer player Rose Lavelle. Over $2,000 has been raised on pledges to receive a racing car end plate signed by Indy car drivers and former professional basketball player Nancy Lieberman has raised $1,355 for a signed Hall of Fame Basketball.
The Center for Disaster Philanthropy is running the campaign. On their website they state, “If there’s one positive thing we’ve seen from this difficult time, it’s humans stepping up to support one another.”
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