Source: Jonathan Schmock (http://www.jonathanschmock.com/)
As the coronavirus spreads, it’s important that everyone comes together and helps others.
Fortunately, lots of coronavirus heroes—many unsung— are helping thousands of people in need. Here are some of their stories
Source: Wikipedia
California Congresswoman Katie Porter recently convinced the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to commit to free testing for all Americans who could be carrying the coronavirus.
As she made a strong point about why every American should be able to get tested, regardless of whether they have insurance or not. Her persistence paid off, she said:
“Everybody in America hear that? You are eligible to go get tested for coronavirus and have that covered regardless of insurance”
Source: Wikimedia
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo announced that he was giving $100,000 to support workers at the Fiserv Forum, where the Bucks play basketball. The staff are currently out of a job while the NBA season is on hold.
It’s bigger than basketball! And during this tough time I want to help the people that make my life, my family’s lives and my teammates lives easier. Me and my family pledge to donate $100,000 to the Fiserv Forum staff. We can get through this together! 🙏🏽
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) March 13, 2020
It doesn’t end there, though. Antetokounmpo’s act of kindness inspired his teammate Khris Middleton to meet his donation. Then the rest of the team chipped in—and Bucks officials announced that the franchise would match all their players’ individual contributions.
Source: Screenshot/CGTN
A team of nine Chinese medical staff in coordination with the Chinese Red Cross sent 30 tons of medical supplies to help aid Italy, which is currently the hardest-hit nation with the coronavirus.
After receiving much-needed masks and respirators, the head of the Italian Red Cross said:
“In this moment of great stress, of great difficulty, we are relieved to have this arrival of supplies. It is true that it will help only temporarily, but it is still important.”
Source: Screenshot/Twitter
When Steph Curry and his wife Ayeesha Curry learned that the Oakland Unified School District was closing, they decided to team up and create a food bank that will provide over 1 million meals to students in Oakland.
In the video released on Twitter, they said: “We want to intercede on behalf of the kids that rely on the daily services and try to help any way we can.”
Oakland is closing schools bc of COVID-19. We support this decision but are concerned a/b the 18,000+ kids that rely on school for 2+ meals daily. @eatlearnplay is donating to @ACCFB to ensure every child has access to the food they need. Join us & donate https://t.co/nDqF7OoO0Z pic.twitter.com/nFp0w1eFqH
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) March 14, 2020
Their plan will work with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and Oakland Unified School District.
Source: Flickr / Keenan Hairston
NBA powerhouse Zion Williamson, #1 on the New Orleans Pelicans, wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post that the people of New Orleans “make our games possible.” He announced he would cover the salaries of the employees at Smoothie King Center for 30 days. He’s been with the team for less than a year, but Williamson clearly cares deeply for his newfound community.
Source: Pixabay
As thousands of people have been affected worldwide, the medical professionals who are on the front line working against the coronavirus are putting themselves at risk more than anyone else—and they deserve a huge thanks.
In China, an ophthalmologist Li Wenliang first sounded the alarm in Wuhan about the virus, and Liu Zhiming, a neurosurgeon at Wuhan’s Wuchang Hospital who led the coronavirus response both passed away after catching the virus.
Doctors in Italy have been working tirelessly. One doctor discusses what it has been like working in a hospital in the heart of Italy.
Until the outbreak is over, doctors, nurses, and first responders will be working almost non-stop doing everything they can to save lives, and if it wasn’t for them, the death rate would be much higher.
Source: Flickr / Joe Shlabotnik
The popstar from Tennessee announced that he’d be donating to his hometown’s foodbank. He’s really “in synch” with his community’s needs!
Link below if you're looking for ways to donate or volunteer in your own community. Stay healthy, stay calm, and help everyone stay fed. 🙏🏼 Spread the word. @feedingamericahttps://t.co/Ixa3qi6u2G pic.twitter.com/wepfGL4E0N
— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) March 15, 2020
Source: Instagram/Daniel.Bondi.1
Yes, a guy basically wore a giant donut in public to demonstrate proper social distancing and become a hero.
The man was seen wearing the donut-like cardboard circle around him in Italy, which is one of the worst-infected countries by a coronavirus in the world right now.
The original video is now private, but according to the Independent, the person filming the man asked him what the donut-like outfit is for, the man says “for coronavirus.”
Maybe for the sake of the world, donuts need to become the latest fashion trend.
Source: Wikimedia
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and his wife Kealia Ohai Watt donated $350,000 to the Houston Food Bank, which will provide 1 million meals to those in need.
Additionally, the JJ Watt Foundation has raised millions to help the community after there have been 68 coronavirus cases in Texas so far.
More generosity: @JJWatt and his wife @KealiaOhai have personally donated $350,000 to the @HoustonFoodBank, providing over one million meals for those in need during this unprecedented time.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2020
Source: Flickr / usdagov
As governments mandate measures to enforce social distancing, restaurants across the country have been forced to close or to switch to only offering takeout. With such drastic drops in business, it’s understandable that some owners might raise prices to help offset lost profits.
But celebrity chef José Andrés has gone in the opposite direction. When DC announced a temporary halt to dine-in services, Andrés decided to transform his restaurants into community kitchens.
His motivation? Recognizing that people out of work, schoolchildren reliant on free breakfasts and lunches, and others struggling still needed to eat. The community kitchens provide low-cost meal options and don’t turn away those who can’t with no funds. People can also pay it forward by purchasing a meal for a future customer.
Andrés is no stranger to food-based nonprofits. He founded the World Central Kitchen to provide meals in the wake of natural disasters, like after Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.
Source: Wikimedia
South Korea has reported over 7,300 confirmed coronavirus cases and 50 deaths.
South Koren sports star, Son Heung-Min donated over $82,000 (100 million won) to a South-Korean non-profit organization to help “prevent Covid-19 infection,” according to CNN.
Source: Wikimedia
Another NBA star stepping up to help the people that make his games possible! Griffin pledged to donate $100K to workers at Little Ceasars Arena.
When fellow basketball player Kevin Love complimented him, Griffin had a humble response:
back at you. just following suit https://t.co/eQHrdodond
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) March 13, 2020
Source: Wikimedia
Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds announced that they’d be donating $1 million to support food security during the coronavirus crisis. The money will be divided between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada.
Source: Canva
Sometimes, even the smallest things can help in tough times.
In Cornwall, England, a community of half a million, there have been eight reported cases of coronavirus, but the entire community is coming together to help make those isolated in quarantine not feel as alone.
One couple, Charlotte Pearce and her partner Louise, donated a smart device to the local nursing home for the often isolated elderly residents to use. A woman from Hayle, Julie MacDonald, offered support to her neighbors, encouraging people to spread kindness with a note saying she will do whatever she can to help anyone in isolation.
Becky Wass, an associate lecturer at Falmouth University is sending postcards to all her neighbors in town and has inspired people as far away as Australia to do the same.
Additionally, the print company, grocery store, and post office in town has offered support to the elderly—as others in the community also offer support to spread kindness.
The COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund was created by the United Nations Foundation and the Swiss Philanthropy Foundation..
All funds go towards improving efforts to help prevent and manage the coronavirus, such as sending supplies, improving laboratory capacity with training and equipment, provide the latest science-based information to health professionals,
