As of now, it would not be an understatement to call the current wave of COVID-19 to be the worst. Initially, the country was only struggling with rapidly rising cases of coronavirus cases which led to a much bigger problem of the lack of critical mechanism required for the patients. The lack of basic medical supplies like oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and other facilities have caused much distress to the ailing and their families.
Now, however, the world is becoming one in its efforts to help India in all ways possible. While various countries are sending in supplies to strengthen our healthcare, the general population is also using the might of social media to not only raise awareness. And though the Indian celebrities, who were long asleep, have finally woken up and are helping the governments of various states and hospitals, the international celebs reacted much faster.
After actress Priyanka Chopra posted a video on her Instagram account calling out to the global community to help India, many of her colleagues from that part of the world realised the urgency and came forward to help. While some donated through non-profit organisations, others helped through Priyanka’s fundraiser campaign.
Robert Pattinson, Lily Collins and Ewan McGregor
Actors Robert Pattinson, Lily Collins and Ewan McGregor, ambassadors of the GO Campaign joined the fight to help spread awareness about India’s situation and raising money for the same. Variety reported that the organization’s COVID Relief Fund aims to provide PPE kits, oximeters, food to families in need, and daily health check-ups, among other things.
On her Instagram account, our Emily in Paris actor Lily Collins posted a story in which she urged her followers to join her and the Go Foundation and help India. She wrote, “India is facing a devastating second wave of COVID-19 and their healthcare system does not have enough resources to care for everybody. They are in dire need of protective equipment, medicine, oxygen and food to save lives!” She continued to write on the second picture, “I have such beautiful memories of my time in India and the country will always hold a special place in my heart. Please join me and @gocampaign to bring immediate relief to families there today. (sic)”
Mindy Kaling
Mindy posted a picture announced a live round table reading of Never Have I Ever giving a sneak peek of its Season 2. While also aware of the situation in her parent’s home country, India, the actor, writer, and director intend to host the live round table reading to raise funds for the same. She wrote, “Hey friends and fam! I am so excited about this. We are coming together to try to help our brothers and sisters in India. The cast and creators of @neverhaveiever are hosting a live table read to raise funds for @give_india, in support of their COVID-19 relief efforts! Mark your calendars for May 8 at 2:30pm PT/5:30pm ET and join us for a sneak peek at Season 2, along with a Q&A with some very special guests! (sic)”
Ellen DeGeneres
The comedian and host of her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Ellen recently took to her social media account and shared a post urging her fans to join her and many others to help India battle the second wave of COVID-19. She wrote, “India needs our help. My friend @jayshetty and I are trying to raise $1M for @give_india, and @indiaspora will match it! This means every dollar is doubled, so we can try our best to make a difference. If you can help, I hope you will. You can donate directly from this post. Anything helps. Thank you. (sic)”
Among other celebrities, the Smith family, singer Shawn Mendes donated $50,000, each, while actor Hrithik Roshan made a donation of $15,000 to the Help India Breathe initiative. Many other celebs helped this and otther initiatives as well as non-profit organisations to either raise funds or just spreading the word.
Actors like Drew Barrymore, Lilly Singh and Reese Witherspoon, among others have tried creating awareness about the same. Barrymore, who hosts her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, urged her fans to donate for COVID-19 relief in India.
So hang on, help is on the way!
