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Across the globe, people are grappling with the growing Covid-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus cases in South Africa are rapidly climbing, and the spiralling outbreak recently prompted President Cyril Ramaphosa to take drastic steps in a dramatic measure to delay the spread of infection.
Most major live events, TV productions and movie releases have been cancelled, while citizens grapple with postponing their own important gatherings to protect vulnerable, immune-compromised individuals.
Thankfully, fear hasn’t stopped people from giving back to their communities and inspiring us all in these scary times.
From acts of kindness to major donations that will help those who are sick and/or out of work, here are just a few of the ways celebrities are doing good during the coronavirus outbreak:
Justin Timberlake
The actor and singer posted a note on his social media accounts to announce that he’d be donating to the Mid-South Food Bank in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, in the US.
"This is a crazy time, but remember we're all in it together," Justin wrote. "Start small and support your local communities by getting food out to those in need."
Donatella Versace
The fashion mogul and her daughter, Allegra Versace Beck, are giving back to their native Italy which has been hard hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
The pair have pledged to donate 200 000 euros (R3,7 million) to Milan’s San Raffaele Hospital to address supply shortages and limited supplies, reports Page Six.
"In times like this, it’s important to be united and support however we can to help all those who are [on] the front lines, fighting every day to save hundreds of lives," a statement on Donatella’s Instagram account reads. "This is why Allegra and I have decided to make a personal donation of 200 000 euros to the intensive care department of San Raffaele Hospital in Milan."
"Our hearts go out to all those who’ve been affected by this disease and to all the doctors and medical staff who’ve been working heroically nonstop in the past weeks in the effort to take care of our loved ones," she added.
Josh Gad
The actor lent his voice – you may recognise him as Olaf from Disney’s Frozen – to parents as “10 minutes of free daycare” by live-streaming a reading of his favourite children’s book, Olivia Goes to Venice, on Twitter.
“Since we’re all stuck at home right now, I figured we’d have a little fun together. So, I’m going to see how this goes, but I decided I’m gonna read to you and your children or just you, depending on what you prefer,” Gad said.
“I’m not gonna pass judgment right now since the world is a little bit of a hot mess.”
Gad said he’d try to read a new story each night and has kept his word.
“I’ll try to provide at least 10 minutes of daycare to you and your families a night while we’re going through this unprecedented global event,” he promised.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
The A-list couple announced via Instagram that they’d be donating $1m (R17m) to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada, two charities helping to feed people during the pandemic.
The A Simple Favor star encouraged others to donate if they can and to stay connected with friends and family via FaceTime, Skype and video.
“We can all do something for one another, even if that’s staying home,” she wrote.
Of course, she also got in a jab at her husband, writing, “Now can someone just tell Ryan that ‘emotional distancing’ from his mother-in-law is not a thing. Nothing can save him.”
“I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an asshole,” the Deadpool actor posted on his Instagram account. “If you’re able to help, visit @feedingamerica and @foodbankscanada.”
He also joked with his pal Hugh Jackman – whom he often trolls on social media – and posted a fake phone number for the Front Runner actor so people could “call someone who’s isolated”, giving fans a little levity in a tough time.
Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams
Two of Hollywood’s leading ladies, Jennifer Garner and Amy Adams, are teaming up to help kids impacted by school closures amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
The actresses have just launched Save with Stories to raise money for US organisations Save the Children and No Kid Hungry, both of which are providing food and educational supplies for the millions of children who rely on their schools for both.
The initiative has its own brand-new Instagram account, @SaveWithStories, where they'll be sharing videos of celebrities reading children's books aloud to entertain, educate, and distract kids and parents who are social distancing due to the coronavirus pandemic.
(Sources: Twitter, Instagram, Page Six)
