TACOMA, Washington — Romeo Santos is one of the most influential celebrities in the Latinx community. He is an Afro-Latinx singer, songwriter, actor and record producer, who is best known as the lead singer in favored Bachata band, Aventura. However, entertaining his fans is not the only thing Santos has shown a passion for. Santos has also helped families who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and a host of natural disasters. Romeo Santos’ philanthropic contributions show his commitment to giving back.
COVID-19 Relief Effort
COVID-19 has affected families worldwide. Total cases in the U.S alone have surpassed 8 million and deaths have reached over 200,000. As a result, many have lost their jobs leading to a stark increase in unemployment rates. Consequently, many have taken to social media to share their plight in the hopes of raising awareness. As it happens, many celebrities are using their social media platforms to help those most affected by the pandemic.
In April 2020, Santos uploaded a video on Instagram, stating that he would be joining the All In Challenge. This being the latest of his philanthropic contributions, The All in Challenge is an online fundraiser created by Michael Rubin, which has been promoted by dozens of celebrities. The challenge aims to feed those in need during COVID-19 and benefits nonprofit organizations such as Meals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, America’s Food Fund and Feeding America.
Natural Disaster Relief Effort
In 2017, Hurricane Maria charged through the Caribbean. The massive storm devastated the island of Puerto Rico during the island’s recovery from Hurricane Irma. The hurricane also impacted many other island nations like the Dominican Republic. Roughly 4,600 people lost their lives due to strenuous injuries just in Puerto Rico alone. Additionally, many did not have access to electricity, lacked access to food and had their homes destroyed. The tragic conditions in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic especially affected Santos who has family in both countries. Following Hurricane Maria, Santos sought support from other celebrities as well as fans, to help fill several planes with food and essential items to send to those in need. With this collaborative effort, Santos managed to send six planes with food and other essentials, to nations recovering from natural disasters.
Santos also forms part of the humanitarian initiative called SOMOS UNA VOZ, created by Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony. The initiative is a collaboration of artists working together to ensure food, shelter, medicine and power for those affected by natural disasters in countries like Puerto Rico. However, Romeo Santos’ philanthropic efforts have aided more than simply those in his home nations.
In addition to the resources he sent directly to those affected, Santos was also listed as a performer in the Somos Live! concert. The proceeds of the Somos Live! concert were used to provide food, shelter, medicine and other essential resources to those impacted by natural disasters, through charities like the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity International.
Romeo Santos’ philanthropic contributions have helped thousands around the world. Santos serves as an inspiring example of celebrities using their platforms to make the world a better place for all.
– Amanda Cruz
Photo: Flickr