Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves. Images: AFP/Roy Rochlin, Instagram/@camilamcconaughey
Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves will be donating 80,000 face masks to health workers combating the spread of COVID-19 in the United States.
“Our mission is to protect those who protect us, by providing healthcare workers, firefighters, police officers, and others with approximately 80,000 masks needed to battle the [COVID-19] virus,” Alves said on her Instagram page last Friday, April 10.
In line with their initiative, the couple already handed out two boxes of masks to frontliners in Austin, Texas, as seen in a video accompanying her post. Following precautions against the disease, the two wore gloves and face masks while keeping a safe distance from the workers when they delivered the supplies.
Alves and McConaughey, joined by their two friends Bill and Tracey Marshall, partnered with the organization BStrong for the initiative. Aside from their hometown of Austin, they also plan to help frontliners in Louisiana and the rest of the country.
Alves explained that she only shared their effort on social media for those who may be looking for ways to help during the pandemic. She said that it took her over two weeks of research before finally finding a group she wanted to partner with.
The model also hopes their initiative inspires people to “pick a lane to help others.” Whether one’s “lane” may be through helping a neighbor, calling others, offering emotional support, donating or volunteering, Alves urges the public to “pick a lane and do it well!”
Entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel, Ellen DeGeneres, Billy Joel and nonprofit organization Global Empowerment Mission will also be assisting the couple in the effort.
Prior to handing the masks, McConaughey hosted an online bingo game for senior citizens in Texas who are in quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic. JB
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