Elton John has launched a $1 million emergency fund to help the HIV community during the coronavirus pandemic.
On Saturday, the “Rocketman” legend took to Twitter to announce the initiative set up by his nonprofit, the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
“I am so pleased to announce that my foundation is launching a new COVID-19 emergency fund today,” the flamboyant musician and renowned philanthropist said in a video.
“For almost 30 years my foundation has prioritized the most vulnerable people to HIV to end the AIDS epidemic, and we’re committed to this during the COVID-19 crisis too,” he said.
The Elton John AIDS Foundation has supported HIV research, education and prevention, while providing services to HIV-positive, people since it was founded in 1992.
The coronavirus pandemic has made the distribution of HIV medicine, testing and preventive treatment “not as simple as it was a few weeks ago,” the 73-year-old father of two said — which is something he hopes to address with the generous donation.
“Our new COVID-19 emergency fund will help front line partners to prepare for and respond to the pandemic and its effects on HIV prevention and care for the most marginalized communities,” he said.
“We must keep up momentum or else the results could be disastrous for people living with HIV and other infectious diseases,” he warned. “We’re with you, we’re thinking of you, we will not leave anyone behind.”
“Now and always,” he emphasized in a later tweet, “I’m committed to not leave anyone affected by HIV behind,” he wrote.
“Visit http://ejaf.org/covid19 for more info,” he added. “Sending love to all of our Foundation’s partners, grantees, supporters, front line workers and members of our community during this time.”
On Sunday, the multiple Grammy-winning superstar helped to raise $10 million by hosting the iHeart Living Room Concert for America, according to organizers of the star-studded event.
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