In contrast to what most people think about the life of a celebrity, it is more than just basking in the glory and enjoying the glitz, glamour, and perks that go with being rich and famous.
A lot of artists and famous personalities actually use their popularity and platform to affect change in society and make a difference in people’s lives all over the world.
We’re positive that you’ve probably heard of celebrities who were made ambassadors of certain charities and organizations geared at improving living conditions around the world.
And since the COVID-19 pandemic spread globally, celebrities have been helping in the fight against the dreaded virus. From giving out masks and feeding people, these famous personalities prove that beneath all the fortune and fame, they have hearts of gold.
More than just giving out masks to frontliners or feeding workers and volunteers at home service facilities, these celebs have all given back to society in different ways to help in the battle against the pandemic.
Magic Johnson
This Laker legend doesn’t just spread his magic on the court and in the business world but he also used his magic touch to keep small businesses alive during the pandemic, especially those who never got their hands on a single stimulus check from the government. His Equitrust Life Insurance Company invested $100 million in PPP loans directed at minority-owned establishments.
Dwayne Johnson
We all know that beneath that tough exterior, The Rock is really a softie. He not only donated 700,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline health workers, but he also sent new pairs of his Project Rock Under Armour shoes to NJ’s Ridgefield Fire Department as a token of gratitude for their service as first responders.
The Weeknd
The R&B singer donated $1 million in 2020 to relief efforts for those who were affected by the pandemic. Half of it went to MusiCares while the other half was sent to the workers of Scarborough Health Network.
Shakira
Thousands of N95 masks and ventilators were given out by Latina sensation Shakira to the healthcare workers of her hometown Barranquilla in Colombia.
Machine Gun Kelly
The rapper known as Machine Gun Kelly is not just great at spitting rhymes but he’s a genuinely great dude, too. He once bought lunch for the diners of 12 different restaurants in the Cleveland area in May last year. Around the same time, he also sent 40,000 meals to the people of Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Jay-Z and Meek Mill
The rappers formed the social justice organization known as REFORM Alliance. At the onset of the pandemic, the org gave away 130,000 masks to correctional facilities to keep both inmates and officers protected.
Madonna
The Material Girl partnered with REFORM Alliance and gave 100,000 masks to those behind bars in several locations in hopes of helping prevent the spread of the disease in jail and prison cells.
Willie Nelson
Country singer and icon Willie Nelson held a Farm Aid concert online and raised over $500,000 for the benefit of the families of farmers and ranchers who were hit hard by COVID-19.
Ice Cube
Hip hop legend and NWA alumnus, Ice Cube, sold shirts that say “Check Yo Self Before You Wreck Yo Self. rdquo; It was a good reminder to everyone to keep themselves in check and do their part in preventing the spread of the virus. The money they got from sales was all directed to underfinanced medical centers and nurses in inner cities and rural communities throughout America.
Cardi B.
Hip hop artist Cardi B. teamed up with Fashion Nova in a campaign that gave away $1,000 to those who are hit hard financially by the pandemic. They gave away money every hour to people for several days until they gave away a total of $1 million.
Elton John
Sir Elton John’s foundation has been actively involved in the fight against AIDS since the ‘90s. Since COVID-19 broke out, he, along with his foundation, has created an emergency fund dedicated to helping communities adversely affected by the health crisis.
Donatella Versace
World-famous designer Donatella Versace and daughter Allegra made a donation of about $216,000 to San Raffaele Hospital’s intensive care unit in Milan.
These are but a few famous personalities who have pitched in and given much to the fight against COVID-19. Our only prayer, not just for them but for each person that has selflessly and sacrificially given something for the sake of others at this time, is that their generosity goes back to them in hundredfold returns.
