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On March 11, Coronavirus was declared a pandemic after it infected more than 200,000 people around the world since December 2019. As the world began to look grim, President Trump declared a national emergency for people in the United States, and encouraged the practice of social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. While we sit and stalk their Instagram pages, binge their Netflix and Hulu shows, or run up the streams of their music, many celebrities have taken this time to lend a helping hand to the world in a positive way. Check out seven celebrities who have given back during this pandemic below.
1) Rihanna
Rihanna’s foundation has donated $5 million to multiple organizations that are assisting with Coronavirus relief efforts. The Clara Lionel Foundation announced the donation in a statement on its website. It reads, “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.” The Clara Lionel Foundation said its goal is “to immediately mobilize a broad response working with on-the-ground partners.”
2. JAY-Z
JAY-Z ‘s Shawn Carter Foundation will be matching an additional $1 million donation, also given by Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation, to support those in need. Variety reports that the joint $2 million will go toward charities such as the Mayor’s Fund for L.A., Fund for Public Schools, American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Immigration Coalition. These emergency funds will help offset costs for essential workers and their families.
3. Future
Future is donating custom face masks to several hospitals in Atlanta to assist essential workers during this pandemic. The “Mask Off” rapper has always devoted his time to giving back through FreeWishes Foundation, a community organization founded with his sister, Tia Wilburn-Anderson.
4. G-Eazy
G-Eazy is also giving back to his home of the Bay Area. The artist along with his Endless Summer Fund have joined forces with Larkin Street Youth Services to give free lunches to at-risk youths in San Francisco. “We are all in this together and I hope others will join me in supporting our communities however they can,” said the rapper in a recent statement. The “No Limit” rapper will even work to give out food through the Mi Morena food truck, as it will deliver lunches to people who can’t access meals easily at the multiple Larkin Street Youth Services destinations.
5. Lizzo
Grammy award winner Lizzo, led a mass meditation on Instagram to ease COVID-19 anxiety. The virtual event kicked off with the star playing her flute to soothe viewers. Surrounded by crystals, burning incense and a serene mood, Lizzo explained that she was scheduled to perform at the Houston Rodeo that day. “There’s the disease, and then there is the fear of the disease,” she said, sparking some palo santo mid-thought. “And I think fear can spread so much hatred, and fear can spread so much negative energy, and fear can spread the disease,” she said during her meditation. Like many other artists right now, Lizzo also discussed the effects of not being able to travel for work. Additionally, the “Truth Hurts” star sent lunch meals to hospital staff across the country including Seattle, Washington and Minnesota. “We wanted to send lunch to hospitals across the country to show our appreciation for medical workers,” Lizzo expressed.
6. The Wilsons
Russell Wilson and Ciara prove #couplegoals again by donating 1 million meals to support Seattle. According to FOX Sports, “The state of Washington had nearly 2,000 cases and 95 deaths.” Joining forces with Food Lifeline under the umbrella of Feeding America, the Seattle Seahawks quarterback and his R&B superstar wife will help many families at this time.
7. Kerby Jean-Raymond
Pyer Moss founder Kerby Jean- Raymond pledged to assist minority and women-owned small creative businesses by promising to set aside $50,000. “I’ve been getting an influx of messages from medical professionals on the front lines, who have been treating this pandemic, about their shortage of basic supplies,” he wrote on his Instagram. “Many of them, including my sister, have not had enough n95 masks and some are without gloves.” Additionally, to help cover payrolls and business costs, Jean-Raymond converted his Pyer Moss office into a donation center for medical supplies and essentials.
8. Kanye West
Kanye West donated in his hometown of Chicago and his newly adopted home in Los Angeles. The rapper assisted with the We Women Empowered organization in Chicago and the Dream Center in LA. Both organizations have passed out thousands of meals per day.
9. Zion Williamson
Zion Williamson made a slam dunk decision when deciding to cover the salaries of all Smoothie King Center workers for the initial length of the NBA shut down for Coronavirus. “The people of New Orleans have been incredibly welcoming and supportive since I was Drafted by the Pels last June, and some of the most special people I have met are those who work at Smoothie King Center. These are the folks who make our games possible, creating the perfect environment for our fans and everyone involved in the organization,” Williamson highlighted via Instagram. The athlete also noted that many of the workers were still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina and that this economic impact would be negative.