Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds join stars donating to hurricane relief efforts
(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively join forces with Taylor Swift to aid in hurricane recovery

11 Oct 2024, 04:59 by Phoebe Tonks · Manchester Evening News

Acting heavyweights Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have generously contributed one million dollars (£765,000) to Feeding America for disaster aid, following the devastation left by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the US. The power couple's significant donation comes after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida on Wednesday night as a Category 3 storm, bringing winds that exceeded 100mph (160kph).

Just a day earlier, it was revealed that their friend and pop icon Taylor Swift gave a staggering five million dollars (£3.8 million) to the same organisation. Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, the CEO of Feeding America, commended Blake and Ryan for their contribution towards helping the affected communities "rebuild and recover" from the hurricanes that wreaked havoc across the south-eastern states.

"Their longtime support of Feeding America in times of crisis has helped our network on the ground before, during and after disasters," she expressed in a statement.

Taylor Swift has already donated a whopping 5 million US dollars to relief efforts
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

She lauded the funds as vital support for food banks which will provide essentials such as water, ready-to-eat meals, and other crucial supplies to those facing dire loss and an extensive period of recovery.

In related news, country music legend Dolly Parton has made a heartfelt personal donation of one million dollars (£765,000) to assist those struck by the hurricanes, while her business ventures, including the renowned Dollywood theme park, pledged to match her donation to the Mountain Ways Foundation.

Fellow country music artist Morgan Wallen contributed a sizable sum to recovery efforts, with his Morgan Wallen Foundation donating $500,000 to assist east Tennessee and other areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Colleagues in the music industry like Keith Urban, Luke Combs, and Sheryl Crow have disclosed they will be performing at the upcoming Concert For Carolina event slated for later this month, stating "all proceeds to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts in the Carolina region".