Rihanna Donates $5 Million To Fight Coronavirus

March 22, 2020

Rihanna's Clara Lionel Foundation announced Saturday that it has donated $5 million toward COVID-19 response efforts.

We've responded to COVID-19 by distributing $5 million to @PIH @DirectRelief @FeedingAmerica @rescueorg @WHO & #Barbados to prepare communities w/ critical protective gear, medical supplies, equipment and access to food across multiple regions. #CLF #HealthcareHeroes 📷: @PIH pic.twitter.com/DVfSqw6gQK

— Clara Lionel Fdn (@ClaraLionelFdn) March 21, 2020

The $5 million will support local food banks serving at-risk communities in the U.S., testing resources in underprivileged countries, protective equipment and training for health workers and distribution of respiratory supplies, according to a statement on the foundation's website.

"It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from, this pandemic will affect us all. And for the world's most vulnerable, the worst may be yet to come," the nonprofit wrote in a statement. "Protecting our front line health workers and marginalized communities around the world requires getting ahead of it FAST. The time to act is now."

Rihanna started the foundation in 2012 in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite.