Saturday Night Live star Chris Redd has launched a fundraiser to help get coronavirus tests and treatment to those currently protesting police brutality.
The protests, which have taken place in all 50 states and across the world, came in response to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police on May 25.
Redd’s fundraiser aims to support the protestors while also acknowledging the risk of attending large gatherings amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“I’m working on a relief fund for front line protestors who may contract COVID19 over the next couple of weeks due to body to body contact,” the comedian, 35, wrote on Twitter, announcing the fundraiser. “I would hate for my people fighting for justice struggle later because of it. If you would like to help, let’s connect!”
The fundraising page notes that the money raised will assist with COVID-19 testing, treatment and hospital bills, injuries obtained while protesting and bail relief or court expenses for protestors.
As of Thursday, Redd had raised $227,389 towards a goal of $250,000.
“As thousands of people take to the streets to protest racial discrimination and the many Black Lives lost at the hands of injustice, we also have the unfortunate fact that this deadly pandemic is still upon us,” the fundraising page reads.
Voices from Protests After George Floyd's Death: 'Our Skin Color Should Not Be Considered a Weapon'
The description on GoFundMe also acknowledges that Black communities are disproportionately affected by coronavirus.
“The lives at risk of the injustice being fought against are also the most vulnerable to COVID-19,” it says. “Many will not be in position to pay the inevitable cost associated with their brave efforts. This fund is to assist those that contract this disease while protesting and other protest related injuries as many are being attacked while speaking out.”
"We haven't been able to get ahead of COVID-19 thus far," the description concluded, "but this is certainly another step in the right direction!"
To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations:
- Campaign Zero (joincampaignzero.org) which works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies.
- ColorofChange.org works to make government more responsive to racial disparities.
- National Cares Mentoring Movement (caresmentoring.org) provides social and academic support to help black youth succeed in college and beyond.
As information about the coronavirus pandemic rapidly changes, PEOPLE is committed to providing the most recent data in our coverage. Some of the information in this story may have changed after publication. For the latest on COVID-19, readers are encouraged to use online resources from CDC, WHO, and local public health departments. PEOPLE has partnered with GoFundMe to raise money for the COVID-19 Relief Fund, a GoFundMe.org fundraiser to support everything from frontline responders to families in need, as well as organizations helping communities. For more information or to donate, click here.
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