The Most Heartwarming Acts of Celebrity Charity

Just a few weeks after George Floyd's death sparked protests around the world calling attention to racial injustice, his 6-year-old daughter Gianna was well taken care of by celebrities and public supporters alike. While Kanye secured her college education, and a GoFundMe page raised over $2 million, Barbra Streisand made her a Disney shareholder.

According to TMZ, Disney shares go for about $115 each. It is unclear how many shares the singer donated. 

Amid the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, which disproportionately affects the older generation, Tyler Perry paid for the groceries for every elderly shopper at "44 Kroger stores in Atlanta, Georgia... as well as 29 Winn Dixie stores in New Orleans," according to People. A number of stores designated early hours for elderly shoppers, allowing them the opportunity to avoid large crowds while seeking necessities.

Perry also "gave $21,000 in tips for workers at an Atlanta restaurant while picking up takeout," supporting essential employees who are still working during the pandemic. 

While on tour in Australia, musician Lizzo took time to volunteer with Melbourne's Foodbank Victoria to help the victims of the country's raging wildfires. The singer's appearance at the foodbank was a major suprise to the other volunteers, according to Insider. 

"We knew someone would be visiting but we weren't told who," a volunteer named Emily said. "Safe to say everyone was freaking out, even the CEO looked so excited. Just shocked that it was really her and that she would make the time to come to Foodbank." 

Since September 2019, the wildfires have claimed 25 lives, burned 10.3 million hectares of land, and are believed to have slain approximately 1 billion animals. According to Emily, Lizzo made a speech to the volunteers that she'd always wanted to visit Australia and was sad her tour coincided with the tragic fires - but that so long as she was in the country, the singer "saw it as an opportunity to come and spread awareness and do what she can while she's here."

In an effort to help combat the raging wildfires that have burned over 32,000 square miles of Australia, actor and Aussie native Chris Hemsworth pledged $1 million to the cause.

"Like you, I want to support the fight against the bushfires here in Australia," Hemsworth wrote on Instagram. "My family and I are contributing a million dollars. Hopefully you guys can chip in too. Every penny counts so whatever you can muster up is greatly appreciated. I've put together links supporting fire fighters, organisations and charities who are working flat out to provide support during this devastating and challenging time."

Just before Thanksgiving 2019, director Colin Trevorrow announced he would donate all of his royalties from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker to the Alexander Devine Children's Hospice. The charity provides free care to some 1,200 children in Berkshire, England.

Trevorrow was originally slated to direct Episode IX of the new Star Wars trilogy, but he and Disney parted ways before production on the film began. However, Trevorrow retains a "story by" credit on the film, which means he's entitled to a share of the profits when the J.J. Abrams-directed movie hits theaters in December 2019. If the movie's a hit - which it's almost certain to be - those royalties will be substantial.

Trevorrow told Deadline this philanthropic gesture was inspired by Star Wars creator George Lucas:

Through his films, George Lucas taught us about our connection to all living things. He taught us to take care of one another, and he set a powerful example himself. The Alexander Devine Hospice helps families in the most challenging of times. I can’t think of a more fitting way to honor George’s legacy.

Fiona Devine, CEO and co-founder of the hospice, said her organization was "blown away by this incredibly generous gesture" and that "the Force is strong with us."

When Beyonce heard about a teen fan with a rare form of cancer who was in the hospital, she knew she had to reach out. Ebony Banks missed her graduation because she was in the hospital, and her school district in Houston held a special ceremony in her honor. As a present to Banks, her friends started using #ebobmeetsbeyonce and got the singer's attention. The singer called Ebony to give her well wishes, with Beyonce telling the teen she loves her.