With the COVID-19 coronavirus sweeping the country and the globe, lots of people are confined to their homes in an attempt to “flatten the curve” by employing social distancing. For some of the more introverted people among us that’s barely a problem, for lots of others this puts their entire livelihoods on the line. Social initiatives such as the Feeding America food bank and Food Banks Canada are trying to help but they need assistance.
Famous Hollywood actors and power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have recently joined the initiative and have donated $1 million split between the two food banks.
Together with their generous donations, the two also sprinkled in some jokes and roasts to keep us entertained.
In his Instagram post, Ryan Reynolds said:
“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.
(Hugh Jackman’s # is 1-555-;(-HUGH)”
For those out of the Hollywood loop, Ryan Reynolds and fellow actor and X-men alumni Hugh Jackman have a years-long history of trolling each other for the fans’ amusement with this post from Reynolds adding yet another roast to the fire.
Blake Lively didn’t let her husband have all the fun, however, and decided to roast him instead. When she announced the donation on her Instagram she took the opportunity to say:
“Covid-19 has brutally impacted older adults and low income families. Ryan & I are donating $1 million to be split between @feedingamerica and @foodbankscanada. If you can give, these orgs need our help.
Though we must be distancing ourselves to protect those who don’t have the opportunity to self quarantine, we can stay connected. Remember the lonely and isolated. Facetime, Skype, make a video. Remember the love that can travel through all this. Communities are stepping up – shopping for the elderly, making lunches for children. We can all do something for one another, even if that’s simply staying home.
Sending so much love. Now can someone please tell Ryan that “emotional distancing” from his mother in law is not a thing. Nothing can save him.”
While we were aware of the Reynolds/Jackman roast-off, we can’t really speak about what’s happening in the Lively/Reynolds household. Regardless, it is a funny roast.
On a more serious note, while the jabs and jokes of these celebrities are amusing, it’s their selfless donation that should take center stage here. Initiatives such as Food Banks Canada and Feeding America are great but they are only as strong as we can help them to be.
Regardless of how the coronavirus outbreak unravels, this period serves as a critical test for our society’s ability to function in a time of crisis. Hopefully, we’ll all find some time and energy to help those around us and get through this crisis successfully.