As of 31 March, the US has the highest infection rate of Covid-19. So needless to say, Hollywood has been turned on its head. Many film releases have been delayed and press tours cancelled – the entertainment industry has come to a screeching halt. To a certain extent, celebs are also feeling the very real pressure many of us are dealing with. As Covid-19 continues to shake the foundations of life as we know it, some of these stars are reaching out (metaphorically, of course). From viral videos to generous donations, these celebs are helping to fight Covid-19, one act of kindness at a time.
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Angelina Jolie
The Tomb Raider superstar has donated a whopping $1 million (about R18 million) to fight child hunger in the wake of the virus. Sky News reported that she has donated the cash to No Kid Hungry. This organisation will provide meals for children from low-income families across the US while schools are closed.
Thank you to our Special Envoy Angelina Jolie for helping UNHCR protect refugees against #COVID19. https://t.co/m1z3hTF3NH
— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) March 26, 2020
Angelina has garnered a glowing reputation as a famed humanitarian throughout the years. So this gesture is simply one of a string of philanthropic efforts.
How you can help
FeedSA is a non-profit organisation that helps fight hunger closer to home. They have recently launched a Covid-19 Action Plan and welcome monetary donations to help them execute it.
Rihanna
The sultry songstress and beauty mogul launched the Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) in 2012. The CLF recently donated $5 million (around R90 million) towards food banks in America, protective equipment for frontline health workers, research to develop a vaccine, and work to accelerate testing and care in countries like Haiti and Malawi.
In a statement the CLF noted, “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.”
How you can help
If you’re passionate about furthering critical response to Covid-19, have a look at the World Health Organisation‘s Solidarity Response Fund. You can donate money to help coordinate the global effort which supports countries in preventing, detecting, and responding to the pandemic.
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Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds
In a heartfelt post, Ryan said that “Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families.”
That’s why he and Blake pledged $1 million to American and Canadian food banks and feeding schemes. Encouraging people to stay home in order to #flattenthecurve, Ryan posted this (predictably charming) video on Instagram:
Of all the celebs who are helping fight Covid-19, this pair is definitely the sweetest. Ryan has also urged followers to “Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection”.
How you can help
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is Africa’s largest mental health support and advocacy group. They offer free counselling to anyone who needs it.
In this time of isolation and anxiety, the need for self-care and open channels of communication is at an all-time high. You can support SADAG here.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The former California governor and Hollywood actor has pledged $1m towards the coronavirus relief effort. He shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign titled Frontline Responders Fund, which aims to raise $10 million to buy medical supplies for hospitals.
So far, over 14 000 individual donors have contributed to this fundraiser, raising over $4,8 million (so far). In an Instagram post about the campaign, Arnie said, “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.”
How you can help
UNICEF South Africa is raising funds to build hand-washing stations in informal settlements. They aim to raise R200 000 to increase hygiene and prevention strategies in local vulnerable communities. If you’d like to donate towards this initiative, you can read more here.
Lady Gaga
Another one of the celebs who is helping fight Covid-19 is the multi award-winning singer and actress, Lady Gaga. Her beauty brand, HAUS, is donating 20 percent of its profits to food banks.
Now it’s as important as ever to be kind. For those who are sick, or those who are not and are scared. We’re in this together. I love you world ?❤️
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) March 13, 2020
In a statement, the brand said, “In the midst of COVID-19, it can be easy to feel powerless. We’ve been thinking a lot about our community and responsibilities in this time of uncertainty. Social distancing is one of the most important things we can do to control the spread of this virus and we encourage our community from across the world to participate if you can.”
How you can help
In times of crisis, food insecurity is a harsh reality that millions have to navigate. Locally, you can donate to the ACFS Community Education and Feeding Scheme. They are currently calling for donations to buy non-perishable food items which will be distributed to their large network of those in need in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Other stars who have donated to Covid-19 relief efforts include Ariana Grande, Roger Federer, Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon, Taylor Swift, Kylie Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Donatella Versace, and Kristen Bell, amongst others.
While these celebs are helping fight Covid-19, let’s try do ours with what we have. In line with our #21daysofpositivity, consider supporting one of the aforementioned charities. In this time of isolation and panic, let’s do our best to spread the love and support our communities.
By Features Writer Ashton Kirsten
