MANILA, Philippines — Pia Wurtzbach has joined the slew of stars helping to address the shortage of medical supplies as hospitals are overwhelmed with patients during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
The Miss Universe 2015 titleholder announced Sunday on Instagram that she had launched a crowdfunding page through GoGetFunding to donate 25,000 surgical masks.
The beauty queen is raising P600,000 for her initiative and has so far raised over P20,000. As per the fundraising page, each pack has 50 pieces and costs P1,200.
She said she found the suppliers herself and began with an order of 5,000 before deciding to expand into a donation campaign.
“I thought, what if I had more? What if we could give more? Kulang pa ito (This is still lacking).. And this is where I need your help, guys,” she said.
“With the help of my friends, I’ve started an online fundraising campaign to provide 25,000 medical masks to our frontliners in different hospitals around Metro Manila. I know this may not sound like [a lot], but it’s a start.”
“But if we work together and donate even small amounts, add that up, we can get more supplies (ordering in bulk is also cheaper) and we’ll be able to help more people,” she explained.
She posted on Instagram Stories initial deliveries that she had received, including a donation from TV host Vhong Navarro.
Image: Instagram/@piawurtzbach
Angel Locsin, Bela Padilla, and Sarah Lahbati are among the celebrities who have successfully raised money for donations online. Locsin has used funds to set up hospital tents, while Padilla and Lahbati have purchased goods for families in need.
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