The coronavirus pandemic has affected countries across the world. As you try to take care of yourself and your family, it’s easy to wonder what you should be doing next.
However, Mr. Rogers told us exactly what to do many years ago. He once said that when he was frightened by scary events as a child, his mother told him to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
It’s no different with this virus. As various Hollywood productions and sporting events grind to a halt, the rich and the famous have stepped up to help the world around them. Here are some of the biggest celebrities who are giving back during this crisis.
Lil Nas X
When it comes to charitable giving, there is actually an ongoing (and very heated) debate. That debate centers on whether it’s better to give money to various charitable organizations or simply give money directly to those who need it.
As it turns out, musical sensation Lil Nas X falls into the latter camp. He tweeted out that his followers in need could send him their cashapp handles so that he could send them some money. He made instructions for the money very clear: “get some food then stay inside.” It’s a powerful gesture.
Justin Timberlake
Part of being a celebrity is having the money and freedom to travel all around the world. But as Justin Timberlake can tell you, there is no place like home!
That’s why the “SexyBack” star is donating to the Mid-South Food Bank in Memphis. Timberlake is from Memphis and understands that this group does a great job providing food to the families who most need it.
“This is a crazy time, but remember we’re all in it together,” Timberlake wrote on Twitter. “Start small and support your local communities by getting food out to those in need.”
In this way, Timberlake is an inspiration to all of us who would like to help out more in our own communities.
Vanessa Hudgens
Once upon a time, Vanessa Hudgens was Disney royalty. And while she may have put that crown down long ago, she is still showing the world what a queen she can be!
She used her Instagram platform to announce that she was donating to Feeding America. However, she went even further and asked her fans to also contribute to this cause.
“It’s a crazy time out there in the world. School closures, job disruptions, lack of paid sick leave and the coronavirus’ disproportionate impact on adults age 60 and older and low-income families are all contributing to the demands placed on food banks across the country. Join me in supporting Feeding America today. Let’s help each other out,” she wrote on Instagram.
It’s great advice, really. Don’t focus on what you can’t do. Focus, instead, on what you can do!
Justin Bieber
While many of these American celebrities have focused on donations to American organizations, Justin Bieber has taken a more global approach. In his case, he decided to go to the source and donate to a children’s charity in China.
The Beijing Chunmiao Charity Foundation helps children who have been affected by the virus and other issues. According to Bieber, helping out other countries is nothing short of global responsibility. On Instagram, he wrote, “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.”
‘Parasite’ director Bong Joon-Ho
Relative to the rest of the world, South Korea has been handling the coronavirus pretty well. One reason for this may be the generosity of some of its most famous citizens.
South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho (who made history when his film Parasite won Best Picture at the Oscars this year) donated over $82,000 to Hope Bridge Korea Disaster Relief Association.
That money will primarily go to things like face masks and sanitizers. This is a good move because limiting the spread of infection is the most important thing anyone can do right now!
Bill and Melinda Gates
Bill and Melinda Gates are no strangers when it comes to charity. Over the years, they have used their extreme wealth to help out in areas like education in their quest to make the world a better place.
And the two of them have stepped up to the coronavirus crisis in a major way. They have committed $105 million to help detect, isolate, and treat virus cases all around the world.
With deep pockets like theirs, hopefully world governments can develop an effective vaccine sooner rather than later.
The Golden State Warriors
For sports players, staff, and fans, the coronavirus has been particularly devastating. Nobody is playing anything, and plenty of people can’t make money while everything is shut down.
Fortunately, some team owners and teams have come together to help out. For example, NBA team the Golden State Warriors (including players, owners, and coaches) have pledged $1 million to help out employees of Chase Center. The goal is to help provide the money to last through this current crisis.
This awesome generosity is a reminder to think of all those people losing much-needed money because of the global pandemic. And one of the players is going even further to help those in need…
Stephen and Ayesha Curry
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry and his wife TV personality Ayesha Curry are two more celebrities showing love to their local area. When they heard that Oakland was closing schools down, they became concerned about all of the children who rely on public schooling to get food throughout the week.
That’s why the two of them announced they would be making donations to Feeding America as well as local food banks. They encouraged their Instagram followers to join them and help feed “more than 18,000 students in Oakland.”
These two have helped put the focus on just how much children’s lives may be disrupted because of the virus.