Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has pledged a US$1 million donation to hurricane relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
The star announced the donation in a press conference with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday, which was live-streamed on Cuomo’s Twitter account. Lopez said the donation, which will come from the proceeds of her Las Vegas show, will help emergency services as they rescue and rebuild the island in the wake of Hurricane Maria.
Taking to Instagram, Lopez stressed the severity of the situation in Puerto Rico. “The devastation is beyond belief,” she says. “Me and my cousin still haven’t been able to hear from our families over there. What’s foremost in my mind and many others, is trying to figure out the best way to help. Our island of Puerto Rico has been hit by the two most devastating hurricanes we’ve ever seen; Irma and Maria. Today, Puerto Rico needs our help. I urge you to support and donate to the efforts of the first lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Rosselló. Together we can help rebuild our island and the Caribbean.”
Governor Cuomo tweeted his thanks to Lopez for speaking at the conference: “Puerto Rico needs our help. Thank you JLo for co-chairing this effort.”
Other stars including Ricky Martin have donated money to help Puerto Rico recover, and sports teams such as the New York Yankees are actively working to raise money for the cause.
