SEATTLE, Washington — The coronavirus outbreak has taken its toll on countries worldwide. From lockdowns and self-isolation to rising unemployment rates, COVID-19 has impacted people from every background. Within the past few months, concerts have been postponed and canceled, movie and television production has been shut down and sports have been put on hold. In response to the rising numbers of coronavirus cases, 35,659,007 confirmed as of October 7, 2020, there are several celebrities fighting COVID-19 and using their status to make a positive impact during these trying times.
8 Celebrities Fighting COVID-19 with Donations
- The Weeknd: The pop music icon is one of many celebrities fighting COVID-19. He donated a total of $1 million to COVID-19 relief efforts. He donated $500,000 to MusiCares, which provides financial aid toward the rehabilitation for those in need. He made another $500,000 donation to first responders working in hospitals of the Scarborough Health Network in Canada.
- Metallica: During the month of May, the heavy metal rock band raised more than $200,000 in their COVID-19 fundraiser, “Month of Giving.” Money that All Within My Hands raised went to support Feeding America, Direct Relief, Live Nation’s Crew Initiative and the USBG Charity Foundation’s Bartender Emergency Assistance Program.
- Elton John: Singing icon and founder of The Elton John Foundation, Elton John established an emergency fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1992, the pop star has focused on eradicating AIDS. However, this year, through the efforts of his foundation, he has donated $1 million to the COVID-19 Emergency Fund. This money will ensure that front-line medical workers can appropriately and positively care for HIV individuals with COVID-19.
- Ciara and Russell Wilson: The Seattle Seahawks quarterback and his pop star wife have contributed one million meals to the Food Lifeline, which provides meals to those living in food insecurity. The meals were be provided to those suffering as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
- The Lumineers: After postponing their North American tour, the Colorado-based rock band resorted to live streaming their performance for charitable donations. The May live stream event, “Colorado Gives Back,” raised more than $600,000 for the Colorado Restaurant Association and MusiCares. The proceeds were used to provide financial assistance to restaurant employees who have been impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns.
- Eminem: To raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts, the rapper cleaned out his closet and donated a pair of ultra-rare Air Jordan sneakers to raffle. A $10 raffle ticket led to winning a pair of $20,000 shoes. The rapping legend also announced that he would be donating more personal items. All of the funds raised will go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 relief efforts. Eminem also donated 400 servings of spaghetti to front line hospital workers.
- Billy Ray Cyrus: The country music legend has placed an emphasis on the impact that coronavirus has had on Native American communities. Cyrus, in partnership with Genie, co-hosted a town hall meeting with Native American members of Congress. Through the town hall, they highlighted the health implications COVID-19 has had on Native communities. Cyrus also donated 20,000 N95 masks to Native Americans.
- Post Malone: Our last celebrity fighting COVID-19 is Post Malone. The rapping icon hosted a virtual Nirvana tribute concert to raise money for those affected by COVID-19. Post Malone donated the funds raised, approximately $700,000 in total, to The United Nations Foundation’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. He also relaunched his brand, Shaboink, in order to provide masks to front line hospital workers. So far, he has donated 40,000 N95 masks.
These eight celebrities fighting COVID-19 have made a positive impact on people across the globe. They prove that, even during a global pandemic, the best medicine is unity, love and sympathy for others. It is a reminder to those more fortunate than others to use their privilege. Doing so can help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, especially during a time when so many people are suffering.
– Jacey Reece
Photo: Flickr