Rihanna, Jay Z, Taylor Swift + More Celebs Who Are Donating to the Coronavirus Fight
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The coronavirus pandemic has temporarily upended life as we know it, causing companies to implement work-from-home procedures, stores to temporarily shutter and stocks to take historically large tumbles.
Amid the crisis, companies are pitching in to help — and so are major stars. Celebrities and athletes are pledging financial contributions to aid those impacted by the pandemic; Zion Williamson, Russell Wilson and Ciara, and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are among those who have announced donations to fight COVID-19.
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Below, FN breaks down all the celebrities, athletes and influencers who are using the power of their wallets to help fight the coronavirus crisis.
Athletes for COVID-19 Relief
A consortium of athletes have banded together to fight the coronavirus through Athletes for COVID-19 Relief, including Golden State Warrior Steph Curry, race car driver Jimmie Johnson, Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman and many more.
Bethenny Frankel
Through the reality star’s BStrong disaster relief initiative in partnership with Global Empowerment Mission, Frankel has teamed with a network of international businesses to deliver 500,000 medical masks and kits to frontline healthcare workers. In addition, she has initiated the delivery of one million full body protective suits for the NY Health Department.
Blake Griffin
back at you. just following suit https://t.co/eQHrdodond
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) March 13, 2020
Blake Griffin of the Detroit Pistons pledged to contribute $100,000 to pay the salaries of workers at the Little Caesars Arena after the NBA season was suspended.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
@feedingamerica @foodbankscanada ??
A post shared by Blake Lively (@blakelively) on Mar 16, 2020 at 5:06pm PDT
Actress Blake Lively and actor husband Ryan Reynolds announced a contribution of $1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. In an Instagram post, Lively asked fans who are able to do so to consider donating to the two organizations.
Bruno Mars
The “Treasure” singer reportedly donated $1 million to MGM employees displaced by the coronavirus. Bruno Mars, who has a Las Vegas residency with the group, made the donation to the MGM Resorts Foundation, where a portion of the money will go toward the Employee Emergency Grant Fund and the Children’s Medical Support Fund.
Ciara and Russell Wilson
A post shared by Ciara (@ciara) on Mar 17, 2020 at 6:06pm PDT
Singer Ciara and NFL star husband Russell Wilson are donating 1 million meals to the Seattle Food Lifeline. The couple asked followers to donate to their local food banks and asked fans to “keep the Faith during this difficult time.”
Chiara Ferragni
Thank you guys and keep donating, link in bio ???? Let’s fight this situation with love ??
A post shared by Chiara Ferragni ? (@chiaraferragni) on Mar 16, 2020 at 6:00am PDT
Alongside husband Fedez, influencer and designer Chiara Ferragni has raised over 4 million euros ($4.36 million) to go toward the building of a new intensive care unit at the San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. The unit will be ready in under two weeks, Ferragni said.
Donatella Versace
A post shared by Donatella Versace (@donatella_versace) on Mar 13, 2020 at 11:51am PDT
Donatella Versace and daughter Allegra announced a contribution of 200,000 euros ($218,000) to 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,” the designer wrote on Instagram.
Drew Brees
A post shared by Drew Brees (@drewbrees) on Mar 26, 2020 at 8:31am PDT
NFL star Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, announced on Instagram on March 26 that they were donating $5 million to the State of Louisiana in 2020, and that the focus of the donation is to help the communities that are impacted by the coronavirus crisis. The New Orleans Saint said in the post that he and his wife will use partnerships with Second Harvest Food Bank, Ochsner Health Systems, Walk-Ons, Jimmy Johns, Smalls Sliders and Waitr “to prepare and deliver over 10,000 meals per day throughout Louisiana for as long as it takes to children on meal programs, seniors, and families in need.”
Freddie Freeman
A post shared by Atlanta Braves (@braves) on Mar 18, 2020 at 11:46am PDT
Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman is donating $125,000 toward the coronavirus fight. The baseball star has pledged $50,000 to Giving Kitchen, $50,000 to Atlanta Community Food Bank and $25,000 to the Salvation Army.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together! ????
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020
Milwaukee Buck Giannis Antetokounmpo has pledged a donation of $100,000 to pay the salaries of the staff at his home stadium, the Fiserv Forum, while the NBA season is suspended. “It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier,” he wrote in a March 13 tweet.
Jason Heyward
More good deeds from MLB players.
Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward plans to donate $200,000 to coronavirus relief in Chicago: $100,000 to MASK, which is collecting supplies and meals for families affected by the virus, and $100,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) March 18, 2020
Chicago Cub Jason Heyward is donating $200,000 toward coronavirus relief efforts in the Windy City, with $100,000 going toward the Greater Chicago Food Depository and another $100,000 going to MASK, an organization that is collecting supplies and meals for families who have been impacted by the virus.
Jay Z
The rapper’s Shawn Carter Foundation, along with Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, have teamed up to donate $1 million each for COVID-19 response efforts, which will support marginalized communities. The combined $2 million in grants will help undocumented workers, the children of frontline healthworkers and first responders, as wella as incarcerated, elderly and homeless populations in New York and Los Angeles.
Jimmy Fallon
A post shared by Jimmy Fallon (@jimmyfallon) on Mar 15, 2020 at 8:06am PDT
In a March 15 Instagram post, Jimmy Fallon revealed that he and his family had made a donation to Feeding America. “Right now I’m thinking about what we can do to help our most vulnerable populations — children who are losing the one meal they may rely on per day, our friends and family who are facing job issues, the elderly, and low-income families,” the late night host wrote on Instagram.
JJ Watt
More generosity: @JJWatt and his wife @KealiaOhai have personally donated $350,000 to the @HoustonFoodBank, providing over one million meals for those in need during this unprecedented time.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2020
NFL star JJ Watt and his professional soccer player wife, Kealia Ohai, have donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank. According to ESPN, this contribution will provide over 1 million meals for people who are in need.
Justin Bieber
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Feb 13, 2020 at 11:25am PST
In February, Justin Bieber revealed on Instagram that he had made a $29,000 donation to the Beijing Chunmiao Charity Foundation to assist children in China who had been impacted by the coronavirus. “Watching the news I couldn’t imagine how scary it would be if a new disease was affecting my wife and my family and friends,” the singer wrote. “China, we stand with you as a collective humanity and have made a donation to support.”
Justin Timberlake
Link below if you're looking for ways to donate or volunteer in your own community. Stay healthy, stay calm, and help everyone stay fed. ???? Spread the word. @feedingamericahttps://t.co/Ixa3qi6u2G pic.twitter.com/wepfGL4E0N
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) March 15, 2020
Justin Timberlake is donating to the Mid-South Food Bank in his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., the star announced on March 15. “This is a crazy time, but remember we’re all in it together. Start small and support your local communities by getting food out to those in need,” Timberlake wrote on Twitter.
Kevin Love
A post shared by Kevin Love (@kevinlove) on Mar 12, 2020 at 2:36pm PDT
NBA star Kevin Love announced that he is donating $100,000 through the Kevin Love Fund to go toward compensating workers at the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, where his Cleveland Cavaliers play. “I hope that during this time of crisis, others will join me in supporting our communities,” Love wrote on his March 12 Instagram post announcing the contribution.
Khris Middleton
A big All-Star assist by @khris22m who has just announced he will match @Giannis_an34 $100,000 donation to impacted Fiserv Forum workers.
As promised earlier today, the Bucks organization will match player donations to part-time arena workers. pic.twitter.com/RgmzXInYzn
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 14, 2020
Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks has pledged to donate $100,000 to help workers at his home stadium, Fiserv Forum. The Bucks organization announced it would match his contribution as well as that of teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Kim Kardashian West
Kim Kardashian is donating 20% of profits from her Skims Cotton Collection restock to Baby2Baby’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Program; the collection restocks on March 23. Baby2Baby donates everything from diapers and wipes to hygienic materials, blankets and more.
Kyle Kuzma
Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma says he is partnering with YMCA in Flint, Mich., to donate meals to seniors impacted by coronavirus pandemic. Program will provide dinner & a snack nightly starting March 23 and will run at least 6 weeks. Expected to provide more than 550 meals per week.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) March 19, 2020
Los Angeles Lakers star Kyle Kuzma, who is a Puma athlete, is reportedly partnering with YMCA in Flint, Mich., to donate meals to seniors impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, as first reported by Bill Oram via Twitter on Wednesday, for The Athletic. The baller’s program will reportedly provide dinner and a snack every night starting March 23 and is expected to continue for at least six weeks. It will provide an estimated 550 meals per week.
Kylie Jenner
The beauty mogul donated $1 million to help first responders buy masks and other protective gear to help their fight and treatment against the coronavirus. Dr. Tha?s Aliabadi, the doctor that delivered Jenner’s daughter Stormi Webster, announced the news on Instagram on March 25 and Jenner herself commented on the post saying: “I love you! and thank YOU for all the love and care you put into everything that you do! you’re an angel on earth.”
A post shared by Dr. Tha?s Aliabadi (@drthaisaliabadi) on Mar 25, 2020 at 10:14am PDT
Mark Cuban
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has said event staff will be paid for all scheduled home games while the NBA is on hiatus. The “Shark Tank” star has also committed to reimbursing employees for meal purchases made at independent local establishments in the area.
The Dallas Mavericks issued the following statement today regarding the continued payment of hourly staff who work Mavericks’ game nights at the @AACenter: pic.twitter.com/2aAvzGwraM
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) March 13, 2020
Rihanna
Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, the nonprofit she founded in 2012 in honor of her grandparents, has donated $5 million to organizations fighting COVID-19. Partners include Direct Relief, Feeding America, Partners in Health, The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and the International Rescue Committee.
Rudy Gobert
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, who was the first NBA star to test positive for the virus, made a donation of about $500,000 across three organizations. Gobert promised $100,000 to pay part-time employees of the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City whose jobs were impacted, $100,000 each to support coronavirus-related social services in Utah and Oklahoma City, and 100,000 euros ($111,000) to go toward the coronavirus fight in his home country of France.
Selena Gomez
So thankful for every single medical professional who is putting their health on the line to take care of others ?? I’m donating to @CedarsSinai as they are low on masks and ventilators. They’ve taken such good care of me so it’s my turn to show my gratitude.
— Selena Gomez (@selenagomez) March 31, 2020
The “Rare” singer announced on Twitter that she would be donating to Los Angeles hospital Cedars Sinai to help provide masks and ventilators to frontline workers. In addition, to aiding in the fight against COVID-19, Gomez said she was looking to support the hospital since “they’ve taken such good care of me,” following her kidney transplant surgery, which took place there in 2017. Gomez did not disclose the donation amount.
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Oakland is closing schools bc of COVID-19. We support this decision but are concerned a/b the 18,000+ kids that rely on school for 2+ meals daily. @eatlearnplay is donating to @ACCFB to ensure every child has access to the food they need. Join us & donate https://t.co/nDqF7OoO0Z pic.twitter.com/nFp0w1eFqH
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 14, 2020
Through their Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation, Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry and wife Ayesha have donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank as well as to Feeding America.
Taylor Swift
The superstar has reportedly given thousands of dollars away to fans who have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis. Multiple fans have come forward saying they received $3,000 from Swift after posting their hardships on social media.
i made a post on tumblr about how i was scared i wouldn't be able to stay living in NYC because of what corona has done to the music industry. @taylorswift13 literally single-handedly saved my ability to stay here. i cannot even believe my eyes right now pic.twitter.com/3hAxkSVvGo
— holly turner (@ittybittyholly) March 25, 2020
Zion Williamson
A post shared by Zion Williamson (@zionwilliamson) on Mar 13, 2020 at 2:24pm PDT
With the NBA season postponed, New Orleans Pelican Zion Williamson pledged on March 13 to cover the salaries of all workers at the Smoothie King Center, his home stadium, for 30 days. “This is a small way for me to express my support and appreciation for these wonderful people who have been so great to me and my teammates, and hopefully we can all join together to relieve some of the stress and hardship caused by this national health crisis,” the Jordan Brand athlete wrote on Instagram.
Zlatan Ibrahimovi?
A post shared by Zlatan Ibrahimovi? (@iamzlatanibrahimovic) on Mar 18, 2020 at 5:31am PDT
Soccer star Zlatan Ibrahimovi? launched a GoFundMe campaign to benefit Humanitas Research Hospital in Italy with a goal of raising 1 million euros ($1.07 million). The athlete revealed the effort via Instagram. “Italy has always given me so much and, in this dramatic moment, I want to give back even more to this country that I love,” he wrote in a caption to a video promoting the campaign.
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