The foundation set up by Rihanna in 2012 has pledged to donate $5 million to help fight coronavirus. Hoping to support “on-the-ground partners working on the frontlines of disaster response, especially those focused on protecting and serving marginalized communities,” the Clara Lionel Foundation has announced a number of initiatives to help during this time.

Announcing plans to support local food banks for at risk communities, train healthcare workers, and provide equipment, the foundation will also speed up testing and care in countries such as Haiti and Malawi, mobilise resources for native communities, and establish intensive care units.

Although the organisation typically provides aid to Caribbean and Sub-Saharan Africa nations after natural disasters, its COVID-19 support will bring help across the globe. 

“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,” says Clara Lionel Foundation’s executive director, Justine Lucas.

This news follows the announcement that Rihanna has offered to pay 1.4 million Barbados dollars (a little over £600,000) towards the country’s response to the coronavirus. Other stars continue to provide their support, including Kanye West who donated thousands of free meals to a number of charities in the US.