Taylor Swift gives $13,000 each to two moms struggling to pay rent amid COVID-19
Taylor Swift at the world premiere of “Cats” in New York City, on Dec. 16, 2019 (Image: AFP/Angela Weiss)
Taylor Swift helped out two mothers who were facing financial problems amid the COVID-19 pandemic by giving them $13,000 (over P625,000) each.
The singer reached out to Nikki Cornwell and Shelbie Selewski after reading about them in a The Washington Post story published on Dec. 7 that focused on those who could not pay rent due to the crisis.
Cornwell, a single mother from Nashville, USA, said she was about $5,000 (P240,000) behind on rent. She was also supposed to begin a new job last May, but did not continue since she tested positive for the coronavirus.
After recovering from the disease, she still looked for a new job, but it has been “rough” since she had to compete with many others trying to find work as well.
“My family would appreciate any help this holiday,” Cornwell said on her GoFundMe page. “I am definitely praying for miracles.”
Cornwell’s prayers were eventually answered by Swift.
“Nikki, I read about you in The Washington Post and thought it was really brave of you to share your story,” Swift said. “I’m so sorry for everything you’ve had to go through this year and wanted to send you this gift, from one Nashville girl to another. Love, Taylor.”
Image: GoFundMe/Latika Cornwell
Though Cornwell was only aiming to raise $3,500 (P168,000), she has now received over $22,000 (over P1 million) as of this writing.
Meanwhile, Selewski, of Michigan, lost her job last spring amid the pandemic. Since being out of work, she has been taking care of her daughter who was born with a collapsed lung last December.
“I have tirelessly tried to find employment along with my [fiancé] but with Vada (daughter) being compromised and my [7-year-old] in Virtual School it has proven incredibly difficult,” she said on her GoFundMe page.
As with Cornwell, Swift also took the time to write a heartfelt message for Selewski alongside her donation.
“Shelbie, I’m sending you this gift after reading about you in The Washington Post. No one should have to feel the kind of stress that’s been put on you,” the singer said. “I hope you and your beautiful family have a great holiday season. Love, Taylor.”
Image: GoFundMe/Shelbie Lynn Szpula
Together with Swift’s donation, Selewski has received over $20,000 (P961,000) as of this writing, surpassing her goal of $8,000 (P384,000).
After getting more than they hoped for, the two mothers thanked all of the donors and described the help as a “dream come true.” /ra
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