From Global Citizen’s One World: Together At Home to BET’s Saving Our Selves, COVID-19 virtual relief events are helping people impacted by the pandemic around the world.
These broadcast events and livestreams raise money and provide support and supplies for frontline health care workers and everyday citizens in need. Global Citizen’s broadcast event raised $127.9 million in support of health care workers, and BET’s benefit raised more than $16 million to help assist communities of color affected by the pandemic.
Here are three more upcoming relief events to watch out for in early May.
1. Americares' COVID Is No Joke
Sponsored by the health-focused relief and development organization Americares, COVID Is No Joke is a virtual comedy festival.
The festival aims to raise funding for Americares’ COVID-19 response to provide personal protective equipment and medical supplies to frontline health care workers in the United States. There is currently a nationwide shortage of N95 face masks and protective gear.
COVID Is No Joke will feature a mix of sketches and stand-up comedy from more than 30 actors and comedians, including Will Ferrell, Mindy Kaling, Adam Scott, and Bryan Cranston.
You can watch the livestream on May 1 at 8 p.m. EST on YouTube or at covidisnojoke.org.
2. The Call to Unite
This 24-hour global livestream is bringing together more than 200 celebrities to assist those impacted by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
The Call to Unite will feature musical performances, lessons, and reflections by Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Garner, Julia Roberts, Rob Lowe, Questlove, Alanis Morisette, Jewel, Charlamagne Tha God, former President George W. Bush, and many more.
The broadcast aims to bring messages of hope and unity to people around the world currently experiencing "pain, fear, loneliness, and grief."
Beginning on May 1 at 8 p.m. EST and ending on May 2 at 8 p.m. EST, the livestream will be available to watch on The Call to Unite’s YouTube and social media pages and at unite.us.
3. Altísimo Live!
Co-hosted by actress Eva Longoria and iHeartLatino Chairman and Chief Creative Officer Enrique Santos, Altísimo Live! will raise money for the Farmworkers' COVID-19 Pandemic Relief Fund.
The broadcast event aims to raise at least $3 million for the relief fund, which will help support struggling farmworkers across the US and Puerto Rico.
Farmers are struggling to sell their produce, meat, and dairy products due to the closing of schools, hotels, and some restaurants amid the pandemic. While some have donated their surplus to food banks and programs like Meals on Wheels, they are still struggling to pay their bills.
Altísimo Live! will feature performances from various Latinx actors, artists, and celebrities, including Gloria Estefan, Luis Fonsi, Rosario Dawson, Diane Guerrero, and JBalvin.
You can watch the benefit on Facebook Live, YouTube, Twitter, and Periscope, or at altisimolive.com on May 5. The interactive tailgate kicks off at 1 p.m. EST, and the musical performances begin at 5 p.m. EST.