Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively Donate $500,000 to Charity

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have opened their wallets to at-risk youths struggling with homelessness in Canada. The couple donated $250,000 to both Covenant House Vancouver and Covenant House Toronto, an organization which Reynolds has supported for a long time, according to a press release. The nonprofit provides homeless youth with basic needs like food and shelter as well as helps to prepare them to live independent and successful futures, according to its website.  “Covenant House provides love, hope and stability for at-risk youth who’ve fled physical, emotional and sexual abuse. They do the work of heroes,” Reynolds said in the release.

“For us, helping Covenant House this way isn’t a donation, but an investment in compassion and empathy; something the world needs more of. The young people who pass through the doors of Covenant House more often than not have a story marked by extraordinary trauma. They are so much more than that trauma. They have so much to offer the world,” he continued, urging others to donate as part of a matching campaign. Reynolds added, “Matching this gift is saying you believe in them. You believe in the power of compassion to transform the trajectory of a human being.”

“Ryan and Blake truly understand that young people who are facing homelessness deserve unconditional love and absolute respect. Their generous donation and compassionate support mean so much to Covenant House and we are truly grateful for their continued friendship,” Krista Thompson, CEO of Covenant House Vancouver, shared in a statement. Reynolds and Lively have donated to several social causes over the past few months.

In March, the pair wanted to do their part to help those who have been “brutally impacted” by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. In a post shared on his Twitter and Instagram, Reynolds announced that he and his wife would be donating $1 million to two organizations representing food banks across the United States and Canada during the COVID-19 health crisis. “If you can give, these orgs need out help,” he wrote. “Take care of your bodies and hearts. Leave room for joy. Call someone who’s isolated and might need connection.”