TikTok has donated $10 million to the World Health Organization (WHO) Solidarity Response Fund, which is being used to help WHO combat the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and deliver medical supplies to first responders and sufferers.
TikTok also pledged $3 million to former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s After-School All-Stars charity, which is working to distribute meals to children who rely on schools’ food programs for sustenance. (Many U.S. colleges have made classes remote for the remainder of the year, while a substantial number of elementary, middle, and high schools have announced long breaks for students.)
Additionally, the Chinese video-sharing app is “matching employee donations to a range of local and global initiatives,” including WHO and Red Cross.
Besides announcing these multimillion-dollar donations and voicing support for health professionals and first responders, TikTok President Alex Zhu highlighted the other ways his company is helping during the pandemic. Specifically, TikTok has hosted “a number of livestreams with WHO experts,” created a WHO information page on the app, and directed users towards “trusted information.”
The message concluded with a reminder that social distancing and thorough hygienic practices will curb COVID-19’s spread, prevalence, and impact.
A multitude of companies and professionals have stepped up to assist those who’re suffering—medically and/or financially—because of the coronavirus pandemic. In the music community, Rihanna and her charity, the Clara Lionel Foundation, have pledged $5 million to relief efforts, and the Recording Academy and its charitable branch, MusiCares, have provided $2 million to the COVID-19 Relief Fund that they established.
And yesterday, Netflix created a $100 million relief fund of its own, which will benefit out-of-work film and television set staff members.
The Senate is currently negotiating a $1.5 trillion stimulus package that’s expected to provide, among other things, funds to small businesses, $1,000 or larger checks to most American adults, and aid for certain industries and professional spheres. However, lawmakers’ disagreements about the legislation’s specifics have delayed its passing.
President Trump has made clear that he will sign the bill into law once it reaches his desk.