Rihanna’s foundation gives $5 million toward coronavirus relief

Pop singer and beauty mogul Rihanna has designated $5 million, via her charity organization, to assist the U.S. and other countries rapidly responding to COVID-19.

On Saturday, Rihanna’s Clara Lionel Foundation announced it would provide support for communities hit hard by the emerging virus that has shuttered entire cities and states.

The funds will support efforts such as local food banks serving at-risk communities and the elderly in the United States; acceleration of testing and care in countries including Haiti and Malawi, as well as the mobilization of resources and additional capacity and support for Native communities, according to a news release.

“CLF is supporting on-the-ground partners working on the frontlines of disaster response especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities — helping the most vulnerable in the United States, the Caribbean and in Africa prepare for what is to come,” reads a news release from the organization.

CLF’s funding will come from the organization’s partners at Direct Relief, Partners In Health, Feeding America, World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and others, according to ET Canada.

The funds will also support medical supplies including protective equipment for frontline health workers and diagnostic labs, and distribution of critical respiratory supplies. Several news outlets reported that Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Rihanna, who is from Saint Michael, Barbados, will purchase $700,000 of ventilators for her home country.

“Never has it been more important or urgent to protect and prepare marginalized and underserved communities —those who will be hit hardest by this pandemic,” said Justine Lucas, executive director of the Clara Lionel Foundation.