Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Donate $1m to Charities Helping People during COVID-19

TV host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia, joined the list of celebrities helping those in need due to the coronavirus pandemic. The comedian also granted one of her fans a chance to co-host with her.

During a preview of an at-home episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Ellen announced that she and her wife would be donating $1 million to charities, as a means of helping people during the ongoing pandemic.

The comedian was encouraged to donate after being challenged by Leonardo Dicaprio to participate in his newly created "All-In Challenge."

The challenge is an initiative aimed at raising $100 million for non-profit organizations that have been providing support for vulnerable communities amid the coronavirus crisis.

While introducing Leonardo Dicaprio on the show, Ellen expressed her love for how the actor was trying to help people. She said:

"There are just some things that we can't ignore, and just when I thought I couldn't love him more, listen to what my friend Leo DiCaprio is doing."

Degeneres also nominated some of her friends, Justin Timberlake and Laura Dem, to join the campaign while adding that she knew they would love to help.

The actress further revealed that she has previously given money to some of her favorite charities because she realized a lot of people needed cash.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. recorded over 606,800 coronavirus cases and 25,922 deaths attributed to the virus.

While Ellen explained that she preferred to keep her donations private, she, however, added that she was opening up because she hoped it would inspire others to do more.

In addition to the donations, Ellen announced that she would be giving one lucky fan, who donates at least $25 to the challenge, the chance to co-host the show with her. She said:

"You'll spend the day at the studio, learn how we produce it. You'll get to be next to me when I do the monologue, help me interview some amazing A-list celebrities."

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, several celebrities have made donations towards relief efforts for people who have been affected by the health crisis.

Actress Amy Schumer teamed up with Bethenny Frankel's foundation to donate 2,500 KN95 masks to a New York hospital where her childhood best friend works as a nurse.

Ed- Sheeran also made donations totaling $1.25 million to charities in his hometown, Suffolk, England. The singer shared the money between local charities in the community.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the U.S. has recorded over 606,800 coronavirus cases and 25,922 deaths attributed to the virus.