Hollywood couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have made a donation of $1 million to hunger relief organizations at the forefront of helping the most affected regions of the coronavirus pandemic.
Reynolds played the titular character in the 2016 movie Deadpool. His performance was lauded by fans and critics, and a sequel was made.
Lively is known for starring as Serena van der Woodsen in the CW drama series Gossip Girl. She has gone on to feature in several high-profile Hollywood projects.
Reynolds and Lively got married in 2012, and they have three children.
Taking to his Twitter page, Reynolds stated: “I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an a**hole…”
He went further:
“Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families. Blake & I are donating $1 million to be split between Feeding America and Food Banks Canada. If you can give, these orgs need our help.
Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection.”
I think we can all agree, Covid-19 is an asshole. If you can help, visit, https://t.co/gDZHbYYurJ and/or https://t.co/2fserjQQQs pic.twitter.com/4rb4WpoDKo
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 16, 2020
Feed America operates a network of food banks across the United States, while Food Banks Canada does the same in Reynolds’ native country.
Dan Nisbet, Vice President of Major Gifts at Feeding America told Variety:
“We are so grateful for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s extremely generous donation, and for all of the donations we’ve been receiving. The Feeding America network of 200 food banks is working tirelessly to aid and provide meal assistance to our most vulnerable neighbors — children, the elderly, families struggling with food insecurity and individuals facing job disruptions — throughout our nation during this unprecedented time. Generosity like theirs will make all the difference.”
Other stars who have shown support for Feeding America in the wake of the spread of COVID-19 are Justin Timberlake, Natalie Portman, Ben Affleck, Vanessa Hudgens, Alan Cumming, Gigi and Bella Hadid, Josh Gad, and Nick Lachey.