Celebrities who are trying to make a difference during the coronavirus pandemic

May 07, 2020

<strong>By Heather Cichowski and Zach Harper</strong>
<p>The <a href=/tags/0/coronavirus><strong>coronavirus</strong></a> pandemic persists, but there are many hopeful and kind-hearted stories of people who are helping to make this difficult time a little easier. Celebrities are using their star power and platforms in various ways in the battle against <a href=/tags/0/covid-19><strong>COVID-19</strong></a>. They are donating funds, increasing awareness and trying to boost everyone's spirits.
<p><strong>Scroll through the gallery (or click through if you're on desktop) to see the celebrities who are doing what they can to bring light and positivity to this difficult time.</strong>
<p>Photos: © Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images, Isa Foltin/Getty Images, Steve Granitz/WireImage

<h2>Andy Serkis</h2>
<p>Listen up, preciouses: The <I>Lord of the Rings</I> star will read <strong>J.R.R. Tolkien</strong>'s classic prequel novel, <I>The Hobbit</I>, in a "12-hour armchair marathon" on May 8.
<p>The Golum star's event is in aid of the National Health Service's Charities Together and Best Beginnings, which are doing coronavirus relief work. It starts at 10 a.m. GMT (bright and early in Canada at 5 a.m. EST and 2 a.m. PST), but if you can't watch during the live broadcast, the livestream link will be available after the fact, too.
<p>A <a href=https://www.gofundme.com/f/thehobbitathoncovid19appeal>GoFundMe</a> page has also been set up for the event, if you have some money and you'd like to make a donation.
<p>Photo: © David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images

Beyoncé and Tina Knowles

Queen Bey's BeyGOOD Foundation and her mother, Tina Knowles, are donating 1,000 COVID-19 tests to Houston, Beyoncé's hometown.

The tests are part of an initiative called the #IDIDMYPEART Mobile Testing Relief Campaign, which is encouraging Houstonians to visit middle schools to get tested for COVID-19.

"The virus is wreaking havoc on the black community, so we need a movement to prioritize our health," Tina said in a statement. "We are all in this together. But we have to have a look at what is happening in our black and brown communities and how they are being decimated by COVID-19. It is critical that we stay vigilant with social distancing, wearing a mask, and most of all getting tested. Being asymptomatic is how you infect your entire household and those around you, the very people you love. WE have got to go to these free testing facilities and find out our status."

As part of the campaign, Tina is challenging other stars to use their financial power to set up free testing centres in their own city. Tyler Perry has since said he will do one in Atlanta.

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Sidney Crosby

The NHL superstar has donated 100,000 meals to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank that he hopes will help residents during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 32-year-old, who is still the captain on the Penguins, says he wanted to get involved to help the city during this difficult time.

"The Food Bank and its staff have done an amazing job providing for so many people and I am proud to partner with them during this challenging time," he said in a statement.

Pennsylvania, where Pittsburgh is located, has been hit very hard by COVID-19. The state has just over 50,000 confirmed coronavirus cases, and has seen nearly 2,500 deaths.

"Sidney is such an incredible person both on and off the ice," Lisa Scales, the President and CEO of the food bank, told NHL.com. "He's provided great joy to this region during his tenure with the Penguins, and now he is helping us provide food assistance to those who need it most during the COVID-19 crisis."

Photo: © Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

<h2>Cher</h2>
<p>The singer, who turns 74 on May 20, will release a cover of <strong>ABBA</strong>'s "Chiquitita" on May 8. All the proceeds from the track, which she will record in both English and Spanish, will go to UNICEF and other coronavirus initiatives through her CherCares charity organization.
<p>"The actress Audrey Hepburn was a hero of mine and I was so proud when she became [UNICEF's] first Goodwill Ambassador in 1988," she said. "Now, more than ever, it's critical that we prioritize every child around the world as if they were our own. We cannot forget the people who are suffering the most."
<p>Photo: © Wiktor Szymanowicz / Barcroft Media via Getty Images

<h2>Kevin McKidd</h2>
<p>The former <I>Grey's Anatomy</I> co-star has released a new song called "Leave a Light On" with his band, <strong>Speyside Sessions</strong>, that he wants to use to benefit food banks during the coronavirus pandemic.
<p>"It has been such a great experience to get the old Speyside Sessins Band back together," he said in a statement. "If ever there was a time that we need Music, it's now. I am very proud of the track and it has been a real honour to sing with Mairead and all of the old Speyside bunch again."
<p><a href=/tags/0/sandra-oh><strong>Sandra Oh</a></strong>, who starred on <I>Grey's Anatomy</I> with Kevin, replied to a tweet about the song, saying it was "beautiful for so many reasons. Wonderful to hear/see you sing again," she said.
<p>Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande

Two of pop's biggest stars will release a song titled "Stuck With U" that they say will benefit the children of responders and frontline workers who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The track comes out May 8 and will benefit First Responders Children's Foundation and Scooter Braun's SB Projects.

"We hope we make a big difference with this and we hope it uplifts you and makes you feel happy and that you love it as much as we do," Ariana said on May 8. "We've had a really great time working on this and we're so excited for you to hear it."

"More than ever we are seeing the selfless, tireless and amazing work that doctors, nurses and health care providers give to the world everyday," Justin said. "It is our hope we can lend our voices to raise awareness and give much-needed support for them and their families. It's my honour to come together with my friend Ariana and our SB Projects family to try and do some good."

Photo: © Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for AG

<h2>Shakira</h2>
<p>The singer has donated thousands of N95 masks and ventilators to her home country of Colombia to help with the fight against the coronavirus.
<p>Jaime Pumarejo, the mayor of her hometown of Barranquilla, said the "Hips Don't Lie" singer's donation will save lives.
<p>"One of the most beloved Barranquilleras in the world is Shakira," he <a href=https://twitter.com/jaimepumarejo/status/1255878041173143554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1255878041173143554&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Fetcanada.com%2Fnews%2F636027%2Fshakira-donates-n95-masks-to-colombia-amid-coronavirus-pandemic%2F>tweeted</a> on April 30. "And she is also one of the people who most love Barranquilla. Huge thank you for your contribution of thousands of N95 masks for our health care workers, and ventilators that will save lives."
<p>Photo: © Getty Images

Greta Thunberg

The teenage climate activist is donating the US$100,000 Human Act Award she received for her advocacy on behalf of the planet to coronavirus relief. The money will be going toward UNICEF's efforts to help children, and will be matched by the Human Act, meaning the UN agency will receive US$200,000 through Greta's efforts.

"Like the climate crisis, the coronavirus pandemic is a child-rights crisis," Greta said in a press release announcing her donation. "I'm asking everyone to step up and join me in support of UNICEF's vital work to save children's lives, to protect health and continue education."

Last month, Greta revealed she likely had contracted the coronavirus and developed COVID-19, though she had no way of knowing because she wasn't tested. She's since recovered from her symptoms.

Photo: © Martin Ouellet-Diotte/AFP via Getty Images

<h2>Octavia Spencer</h2>
<p>The Oscar-winner is sending Miku contactless breathing monitors to hospitals in New York and Alabama so nurses and other frontline workers can administer good care to COVID-19 patients and get some "much needed relief," she says.
<p>"I, like many of you, have felt helpless in knowing how to help during this time," she wrote on <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/B_h6EG_gtkg/?utm_source=ig_embed>Instagram</a> on April 28.
<p>"With the understanding that respiration is one of the earliest indicators of illness, Miku's breathing monitoring can indicate potential onset before other symptoms present."
<p>As of April 30, New York City has 167,000 of the United States' more than 1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. Alabama, which is Octavia's home state, has nearly 7,000 confirmed cases.
<p>Photo: © Vera Anderson/WireImage

Avril Lavigne

The Canadian superstar has re-recorded single Warriors" and re-named it "We Are Warriors." She says she will be donating profits to Project Hope, which is working to help doctors and medical staff worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Ever since our world was turned upside down a few weeks ago, I've seen everyday people put on their armour and go into battle," she tweeted on April 21. "Simple tasks like delivering the mail has become a heroic effort.

"Overnight everyone was asked to battle.

"Overnight everyone became Warriors.

"I wanted to get involved and contribute, so I got to work in the studio and I want to dedicate this to all of you... To all the hospital workers, postal service people, grocery store workers, police and firemen, every single one of you who has had their world shaken. This is for you."

The single will be released on April 24.

Photo: © Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic

<h2>Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson</h2>
<p>The couple, who have recovered from coronavirus, are donating their blood in the hopes that it may contain antibodies that could be used to help produce a vaccine.
<p>"We have not only been approached; we have said, 'Do you want our blood? Can we give plasma?'" Tom said on NPR's <a href=https://www.npr.org/2020/04/18/837682956/we-call-to-check-in-on-tom-hanks-and-ask-him-to-play-not-my-job><I>Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!</I></a> on April 18. "And, in fact, we will be giving it now to the places that hope to work on what I would like to call the Hank-ccine."
<p>Photo: © Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

<h2>Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/ashton-kutcher><strong>Ashton Kutcher</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/mila-kunis><strong>Mila Kunis</strong></a> have created their own wine to raise funds for COVID-19 relief.
<p>On April 19, the couple took to <a href="https://twitter.com/aplusk/status/1251912662427959296">Twitter</a> to announce they were partnering with Nocking Point Wines and Battle Creek Vineyards to launch <a href="https://officialquarantinewine.com/">Official Quarantine Wine</a>. All of the profits will go to multiple charities helping with COVID-19 relief efforts.
<p>Charities include support for small businesses, aid for families in need of food and assistance for front line medical supplies, like personal protective equipment (PPE) equipment, and more.
<p>Photo: C Flanigan/FilmMagic

Idris Elba and Sabrina Dhowre Elba

Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba are raising funds for coronavirus aid, after they both tested positive for COVID-19.

The couple, who thankfully only experienced mild symptoms and have recovered, have become U.N. Goodwill Ambassadors. They've partnered with the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to launch a US$200 million fund for COVID-19 recovery focused on farmers in rural areas.

With US$40 million in seed money from IFAD, they hope to raise at least an additional US$200 million from governments, foundations and the private sector to lessen the impact of rural producers.

"People forget that 80 per cent of the poor population live in these rural areas,” Sabrina said.
"What we are really worried about at the moment, and why we are launching this fund is that those people are being forgotten."

Photo: Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

The generous couple are among the latest to throw their support behind COVID-19 relief. They're donating US$1 million to the All-In Challenge to help it raise US$100 million for non-profit organizations during the pandemic.

All funds raised during the pandemic will help the challenge support organizations such as Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, Feeding America and more.

"I have been so devastated by seeing all the people lined up waiting for food," Ellen said during a preview of a show that will air April 17 as she explained why she and her wife were supporting the cause. "Every time I see those cars and those people, I cry. I can't imagine what it's like to be sitting for hours and hours, waiting to get food and hoping there's going to even be any left by the time you get there.

"It's heartbreaking and overwhelming... I usually don't talk about my personal donations, it's something I keep private, but I'm really hoping that this inspires anyone who's in a position to help, to help. Because there's a lot of need out there."

Photo: © Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively

The couple continued their streak of spreading goodwill during the coronavirus pandemic by donating to the Ottawa Food Bank.

Of course, Canada is close to Ryan's heart, since he's from here, and he grew up in our capital. The amount he and Blake gave to the organization hasn't been disclosed, but it will go to very good use during this difficult time.

"Blake and I are so happy to give back to a country that's given us so much," Ryan said in a statement to the food bank that was shared on Instagram. "I happily have Canada running through my blood. So excited for the country to get through these tough times.

"I used to live in Ottawa (Vanier). It holds a special place in my heart. So happy to donate to your amazing food bank."

Last week, Ryan teamed up with Canadian Olympic hockey legend Hayley Wickenheiser to get personal protective equipment like masks and gloves to health care professionals throughout the Greater Toronto Area. Hayley, who is in medical school, has been making deliveries throughout the region.

In March, the A-list couple pledged an incredible US$1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada.

Ryan and Blake made the announcement on social media and encouraged others to get involved, if they were able.

"Take care of your bodies and hearts," Ryan wrote on Instagram. "Leave room for joy. Call someone who's isolated who might need a connection."

Photo: © Steven Ferdman/Getty Images

<h2>John Krasinski</h2>
<p>Fans have really loved the star's <I>Some Good News</I> YouTube series, which he's been running throughout the coronavirus pandemic, and on April 13 he took it up a notch.
<p>Health care workers are beyond heroic, and <I>The Office</I> star recognized that by sending several doctors and nurses on a trip to Fenway Park, the home stadium of the Boston Red Sox. In it, the tireless front line workers were able to throw pitches from the stadium's iconic mound and also got to "meet" the team digitally over its Jumbotron. You can watch the full episode <a href=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg08rJGKjtA&feature=youtu.be>here</a>.
<p>Photo: © Manny Carabel/FilmMagic

<h2>Bruce Springsteen</h2>
<p>The Boss is hosting a benefit called #JerseyForJersey that will be broadcast April 22 on ABC. It will feature performances from the likes of <strong><a href=/tags/0/jon-bon-jovi>Jon Bon Jovi</a></strong>, <strong><a href=/tags/0/tony-bennett>Tony Bennett</a></strong>, <strong>SZA</strong> and <strong>Charlie Puth</strong>. It will also include appearances from <strong>Jon Stewart</strong>, <strong>Whoopi Goldberg</strong>, <strong>Danny DeVito</strong>, <strong>Chelsea Handler</strong> and many more stars.
<p>All proceeds raised will go to the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.
<p>Photo: © Gotham/FilmMagic

<h2>George Clooney and Amal Clooney</h2>
<p>The power couple have donated more than US$1 million to six different charities to help with COVID-19 relief. Three of those organizations – the Motion Picture & Television Fund, the SAG-AFTRA Fund and the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles – all have US$250,000 earmarked for them, <a href=https://www.etonline.com/george-and-amal-clooney-donate-over-1-million-to-coronavirus-relief-efforts-144501>Deadline</a> says.
<p>The couple's relief efforts don't just extend to the United States, either. They've given US$300,000 to the United Kingdom's National Health Service, the Lombardo Italy Region and the Lebanese Food Bank. Amal is originally from Lebanon and she was raised in the U.K. The Lombardy region of Italy has been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus.
<p>Photo: © Jackson Lee/GC Images

Ryan Seacrest

New York and Los Angeles are the two biggest entertainment hubs in the United States, and they've been particularly hard-hit by the coronavirus.

With that in mind, the Live with Kelly and Ryan star has decided to donate US$1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts. Of that amount, US$750,000 will go to first responders based in the Big Apple.

"I wanted to do something in the immediate to give back in these unprecedented times," Ryan told People. "After seeing a news report about first responders sleeping in their cars in New York to avoid putting their loved ones at risk, I wanted to do something to help make sure these New Yorkers stay safe while they're away from their families busy taking care of ours."

The First Responders Children's Foundation will work to house and feed 200 workers with the Fire Department of New York and emergency medical technicians in the city over the next six weeks.

Photo: © Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images

<h2>Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves McConaughey</h2>
<p>On Friday, the couple delivered masks to the Austin Police Department and city's fire department in an effort to help the fight against COVID-19.
<p>"Our mission is to protect those who protect us, by providing healthcare workers, fire-fighters, police officers and others with approximately 80,000 masks needed to battle the #COVID19 virus," Camila wrote on her <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/B-zK_vonuxb/?utm_source=ig_embed>Instagram</a> account as she shared a video of her and Matthew dropping off the equipment. "We are passionate about helping first responders in our hometown Austin - Texas, Louisiana and nationwide as we combat this pandemic."
<p>Photo: © Instagram/@camilamcconaughey

<h2>Pitbull</h2>
<p>The singer has released a new song, 'I Believe That We Will Win," which is about the fight against COVID-19. All proceeds from the song will go toward coronavirus relief efforts, and the music video will feature first responders and health care workers.
<p>"Let's show the world, how powerful it is when we come together to fight one cause – that's called life," the 39-year-old rapper wrote on <a href=https://www.instagram.com/p/B-SnyhyhC1G/>Instagram</a> when he revealed the project in late March.
<p>Photo: © Jason Koerner/Getty Images

<h2>Sandra Bullock</h2>
<p>The <I>Blind Side</I> star has donated 6,000 KN95 masks to Los Angeles health care workers to help them as they treat people with COVID-19.
<p>Sandra's boyfriend, <Strong>Bryan Randall</strong>, shared a photo of her behind a hospital worker who received the masks on April 9. The Oscar winner can be seen pointing at the masks while wearing a face covering and gloves herself.
<p>"I'm not sure who that freak is in the background," Bryan cheekily optioned the image.
<p>He went on to say the masks will help those fighting the illness at Adventist White Memorial Hospital and Children's Hospital of Los Angeles.
<p>Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs

The Canadian Olympian and several other members of the NHL team have donated money to Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital and Trillium Health Partners. The funds are intended to go to front line health care workers.

"Everything they're sacrificing and the risks that they're taking... it's very moving and it's very heroic," John told The Canadian Press. "At times it's hard to find the words. It's a real challenge, but they're doing everything they can to help everyone they can fight this virus and get things back to normal."

The donations have a personal connection for John. His wife, Aryne Tavares, worked as a physiotherapist at Trillium Health Partners, which is based in Mississauga, Ont. According to Entertainment Tonight Canada, the funds will help 10,000 workers get a free meal when they finish their shifts thanks to Uber Eats.

Mount Sinai will put the funds towards emergency room training simulations for Toronto health care workers.

Photo: © Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images

Rihanna and Jack Dorsey

The superstar and Twitter CEO are concerned about those who may be dealing with domestic violence as the world is staying at home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Her Clara Lionel Foundation and the the 43-year-old will give US$4.2 million to the Mayor's Fund for Los Angeles that will be used to "provide 10 weeks of support including shelter, meals and counselling for individuals and their children suffering from domestic violence at a time when shelters are full and incidents are on the rise," the Clara Lionel Foundation says.

The money will be used to pay for shelter and food for 90 domestic violence victims per week for a total of 10 weeks. That's the number of people who are estimated to have been turned away per week from shelters since the pandemic began, the foundation says, which makes this donation even more important.

Halsey

The "Without Me" singer has bought 100,000 surgical masks, which she says she's donating to front line health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

"Every single day I am in awe of the medical workers on the frontlines," the 25-year-old wrote on Instagram on April 9. "Their determination, selflessness and empathy is the single greatest example of our capacity to love and survive as humans. I am beyond privileged to be self isolating in my home, without the fear and obligation of essential work employment."

The masks are FDA-certified and were made in Guangzhou, China and will go to workers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Providence Saint Joseph, LAC+USC Medical Center and Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital, all of which are in Los Angeles.

Lady Gaga

On April 6, Lady Gaga made a speech in a World Health Organization press conference in which she said she's partnered with Global Citizen to raise US$35 million for coronavirus relief in a week.

Mother Monster told viewers and fans that she worked with tech companies, major philanthropists and others to come up with the money, which will give health care workers access to personal protective equipment and help Americans get tested for COVID-19 faster.

"We are all so very grateful to all the health care professionals across the country and around the world who are on the front lines during COVID-19," she said. "This global pandemic is a catastrophe. I'm so thankful for them and I'm praying for those who are sick."

The 34-year-old superstar also revealed she will host a special event to celebrate health care workers around the word that will air on ABC, NBC, iHeartMedia and ViacmonCBS on April 18 at 8 p.m. EST. Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert will host the event, which will also feature David Beckham, Priyanka Chopra, Idris Elba (who was diagnosed with COVID-19 in March), Chris Martin, Paul McCartney and Kerry Washington, among other stars.

"We need to tell the stories and celebrate the front line community, the health care workers and their acts of kindness," Lady Gaga said at the press conference. "We celebrate and highlight the singular, kind global community that is arising right now."

Earlier in March, the pop superstar, who recently launched her beauty line <strong>Haus Laboratories</strong>, took to social media to promote kindness during this trying time.
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9z5hmdl0wI/">Haus also announced</a> it would be donating 20 per cent of its profits from its website in March to local food banks in Los Angeles and New York City.
<p>The decision was "in order to get food to those affected by the closing of schools and other places that offer this critical resource."
<p>Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

<h2>Liam Payne</h2>
<p>On March 27, <a href=/tags/0/Liam-Payne><strong>Liam Payne</a></strong> announced that he had partnered with the <a href="https://www.trusselltrust.org/">Trussell Trust</a>, a UK charity that helps food banks in need across the UK, to assist with hunger during the COVID-19 crisis. The former <a href=/tags/0/one-direction><strong>One Direction</strong></a> member revealed he will be helping to support over 100 food banks in the Midlands and other UK cities. The aid will provide over 360,000 meals over the next three months!
<p>"No one should have to worry about where their next meal is coming from: not now, not ever," the singer wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-PV-Meg9D7/">Instagram</a>. "I am donating to @trusselltrust and if you can help too then please do… Take care, stay at home and look after one another."
<p>Photo: © Karwai Tang/WireImage

<h2>Kylie Jenner</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/kylie-jenner><strong>Kylie Jenner</a></strong> is showing support for her local California community. The reality TV star donated US$1 million to aid Los Angeles hospitals with COVID-19 relief and supplies. Her LA-based physician, <strong>Dr. Thaïs Aliabadi</strong>, revealed Kylie's donation on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-KiUEKnGgd/">Instagram</a> will go toward purchasing protective gear such as masks and face shields.
<p>Photo: © JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images

<h2>Ariana Grande</h2><p>
<a href=/tags/0/ariana-grande><strong>Ariana Grande</a></strong> has been vocal about showing her support to small businesses, charities and fans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
<p>The singer has also encouraged fans to support organizations if it is possible for them. On Instagram, the GRAMMY winner revealed she was supporting Feeding America, Opportunity Fund, Give Directly, Croce Rossa Italiana (Italian Red Cross) and the World Health Organizations (WHO)'s COVID-19 Response Fund.
<p>Furthermore, Ariana has reportedly been sending money to fans via Venmo, a mobile payment app, who are struggling in these uncertain times. <a href="https://pagesix.com/2020/03/25/ariana-grande-sending-money-to-fans-hit-by-corona-shutdowns/">Page Six</a> reports she is discreetly sending funds to those struggling in light of shutdowns.
<p>Photo: © Amy Sussman/Getty Images

<h2>Angelina Jolie</h2><p>
<a href=/tags/0/angelina-jolie><strong>Angelina Jolie</a></strong> has pledged to donate US$1 million to children impacted by the coronavirus and school closures through <a href="https://www.nokidhungry.org/">No Kid Hungry</a>.
<p>"As of this week, over a billion children are out of school worldwide because of closures linked to coronavirus," the actress said in a statement.
<p>"Many children depend on the care and nutrition they receive during school hours, including nearly 22 million children in America who rely on food support. No Kid Hungry is making resolute efforts to reach as many of those children as possible."
<p>Photo: © Kevin Mazur/WireImage

<h2>Taylor Swift</h2><p>
<a href=/tags/0/taylor-swift><strong>Taylor Swift</a></strong> and her fans have each others' backs. A few of her Swifties have reported that the singer has sent them money after they have been struggling financially after the challenges presented by the coronavirus.
<p>One fan, <strong>Holly Turner</strong>, received US$3,000 via PayPal from the singer after the freelance music photographer and graphic designer wrote on Tumblr that she might have to leave New York City because of the turbulent times.
<p>The grateful fan shared the transfer on <a href="https://twitter.com/ittybittyholly/status/1242925859167768576">Twitter</a>. It featured the message from Taylor: "Holly, You’ve always been there for me. I want to be there for you right now. I hope this helps. Love, Taylor."
<p>Photo: © Jason Merritt/Getty Images

Shawn Mendes

Shawn Mendes donated $175,000 with The Shawn Mendes Foundation to SickKids Toronto. The funds will go toward emergency medical resources to combat the coronavirus.

Furthermore, the Canadian singer revealed on Instagram on March 24 that his namesake foundation will also be supporting the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 relief efforts.
"The @shawnfoundation & I have been working to find ways to best support COVID-19 relief efforts, and to direct our resources to where we can make a difference.

"We've made a donation to @sickkidssvs hospital this week to help support the urgent screening and prevention of COVID-19 in my hometown of Toronto.

"For the next month, all donations to The Shawn Mendes Foundation will go towards SickKids Hospital & relief efforts around the world by the @WHO."

<h2>Bethenny Frankel</h2>
<p>The former <i><strong><a href=/tags/0/real-housewives-of-new-york-city>Real Housewives of New York City</a></strong></i> star is lending her support to the fight against COVID-19 in various ways.
<p>She is donating one million face masks through her philanthropic disaster relief initiative, <a href="https://www.bethenny.com/about-bethenny/"> bstrong</a>, to aid medical professionals on the front line with the shortage of supplies. Additionally, they are making corona kits, which include gloves, immune boosters, hand sanitizer, hydration kits and more.
<p>"#BStrong has a network of international businesses producing masks. Hospital workers, please talk to your administrators and have them donate to #BStrong with an earmark for YOUR hospital so that you can get these masks ASAP," she wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-Cza6_gyFK/">Instagram</a>. "Hospital executives, reach out so we can get you what you need."
<p>Photo: © Dan MacMedan/WireImage

<h2>Rosie O'Donnell</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/rosie-odonnell><strong>The comedian's</strong></a>'s one-night Broadway charity show raised over US$600,000 for those affected by COVID-19 via <a href="https://actorsfund.org">The Actors Fund</a>. It's a national human services organization that strives to meet the needs of the entertainment community.
<p>The special show resurrected Rosie's popular talk show from the 1990s. It was livestreamed on Broadway.com and its YouTube channel on March 22.
<p>Broadway has been hard hit by the spread of the novel coronavirus, with many productions being cancelled or postponed.
<p>Photo: © Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images

<h2>Rihanna</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/rihanna><strong>The pop superstar</strong></a>'s Clara Lionel Foundation <a href="https://claralionelfoundation.org/news/rihanna-donates-5-million-to-fight-covid-19/">announced</a> on March 21 that it was donating US$5 million for coronavirus relief to organizations including The World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund, Direct Relief, Feeding America and Partners in Health. The goal is "to immediately mobilize a broad response working with on-the-ground partners."
<p>The singer started the foundation in 2012 and named it in honour of her grandparents, <strong>Clara</strong> and <strong>Lionel Braithwaite</strong>.
<p>"Over the past five years CLF has been one of the first organizations to respond to some of the world’s most devastating natural disasters, and we’ve seen firsthand the profound and unintended consequences of not being prepared," she said in a statement.
<p>Photo: © Jeff Spicer/BFC/Getty Images

<h2>Ciara and Russell Wilson</h2>
<p><a href=/tags/0/ciara><strong>Ciara</strong></a> and <a href=/tags/0/russell-wilson><strong>Russell Wilson</strong></a> announced in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B92xv75Hdw4/">an Instagram video</a> on March 17 that they would be supporting their Seattle community by donating 1 million meals.
<p>Russell, who plays for the Seattle Seahawks, and his singer wife wrote, "Rally with us and support your local food bank @FeedingAmerica. We can all make a difference together. Let's all keep the Faith during this difficult time."
<p>Photo: © JEAN-BAPTISTE LACROIX/AFP via Getty Images

<h2>Donatella Versace</h2><p>
The Italian fashion designer and her daughter <strong>Allegra Versace</strong> have donated €200,000 ($313,000) to the intensive care department of San Raffaele Hospital in Milan. Italy is one of the hardest hit regions by COVID-19.
<p>"Our hearts go out to all those who have been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who have been working heroically non-stop in the past weeks to take care of our loved ones," they wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B9rz2tHIbEl/">Instagram</a>. "This is when we, as a society, need to stand together and care for one another."
<p>Photo: © Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

<h2>Suga</h2><p>
According to reports, the <a href=/tags/0/bts><strong>BTS</strong></a> member has donated the equivalent of US$83,000 to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association. The K-pop singer is a native of Daegu, an area that was heavily affected by the coronavirus.
<p>Photo: © NI/Star Max/GC Images

<h2>Lil Nas X</h2><p>
The <strong><A href=/tags/0/grammy-awards>GRAMMY</a></strong> winner has been helping fans who are self-isolating by offering to send them money via CashApp so they can get food without having to leave their homes.
<p>"Hey guys drop ur cashapp. gonna send some of u some money to go get some food then stay inside," the rapper <a href="https://twitter.com/LilNasX/status/1238223751797301248">tweeted</a> on March 12.
<p>Photo: © Steve Granitz/WireImage

<h2>Justin Bieber</h2><p>
The Canadian star pledged his support in February to help China with coronavirus relief.
<p>"Watching the news I couldn’t imagine how scary it would be if a new disease was effecting [sic] my wife and my family and friends," he wrote on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B8hMpJdH5fT/">Instagram</a> on Feb. 13.
<p>"China we stand with you as a collective humanity and have made a donation to support. Whether it be this or the fires of Australia we all need to be there for each other..."
<p>In the video, he announced his donation to Beijing Chunmiao Children's Aid Foundation.
<p>On March 17, <strong><a href=/tags/0/justin-bieber>Justin</a></strong> also <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B91qOsWHPnY/">shared a video</a> highlighting "what we can do when we come together."
<p>Photo: © Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

<h2>Justin Timberlake</h2><p>
The pop star threw his support behind his hometown of Memphis by donating to the Mid-South Food Bank.
<p>The organization is preparing special boxes to help out during the battle with the coronavirus.
<p>Photo: © Isa Foltin/Getty Images

<h2>Bill and Melinda Gates</h2><p>
<a href=/tags/0/bill-gates><strong>Bill Gates</strong></a> and wife <a href=/tags/0/melinda-gates><strong>Melinda Gates</strong></a> have committed at least US$105 million via the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The money will go to US and international efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including assistance with detection, developing treatments and helping at-risk populations.
<p>Photo: © Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Robin Hood

<h2>Bong Joon-ho</h2><p>
The <em>Parasite</em> director is one of several Korean celebrities who showed his support in the country's fight with the coronavirus. The Daegu native donated more than US$82,000 to the Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association, according to the organization. The funds will go toward hand sanitizer and face masks.
<p>Photo: © Kevin Winter/Getty Images