Daddy Yankee has helped get Puerto Rico known around the world with his hit "Despacito," and now he needs your help. The island was devastated by Hurricane Maria with many people losing their homes and other's still struggling to have something to eat. Daddy Yankee has donated more than $1 million to help with the recovery of his island. “As a Puerto Rican who lives on the island, I felt the call, that the rebuilding of my country has to be for a long term,” he told People in a statement. “In this initial phase, I want to make sure that every person has a plate to eat. In the long run, my commitment is work to ensure that the largest number of families on the island have a safe roof.”
Daddy Yankee was also on CNN urging people to help those in need, reminding U.S. viewers that Puerto Rican's are American citizens as well. "A lot of people don't know I'm from Puerto Rico," he said on CNN's "A New Day". "I have my family there, I have my wife, my daughter, and I live there still ... and we really need your help. A lot of people don't know Puerto Ricans are American citizens ... we need the federal money for the citizens and for the government to help the locals."
The "Gasolina" hitmaker also added: "Watching the images of the video and comparing it to the images I've seen so far -- it's devastated. I know a lot of people are struggling. There's no communication, no power on the island, the hospitals are not working. We need the government to be more proactive."
Jennifer Lopez, another Puerto Rican native, also donated $1 million for the recovery of "La Isla del Encanto."
"I will be donating one million dollars from the proceeds of my Las Vegas show to the designated beneficiaries—charitable and NGO organizations," she said in a statement. "I’ve been so moved by the initial responses for support from our friends and associates in entertainment and business. They have been overwhelming. Nobody said no. Anybody we’ve called is right there asking what they can do, they’re all very eager to help."
"With Marc Antony, we are spearheading additional relief efforts and organizing the Latino community of artists and athletes to rush the relief that our brothers and sisters in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean desperately need," the Bronx-diva added. "We’re working with Mark Cuban and J.J. Barea. We have two team planes filled with supplies and generators awaiting air clearance to depart, land, and unload these much-needed supplies in San Juan. And I will be donating one million dollars from the proceeds of my Las Vegas show to the designated beneficiaries—charitable and NGO organizations."
"I will always be a New Yorker. I am a proud Puerto Rican. And I cannot tell you what it meant to me and the people of Puerto Rico to see New York not only pledge their support, but for Governor Cuomo to actually show up with resources and supplies. Nadia, you too. Governor, you sent a message to all Puerto Ricans that New Yorker stand with you. It is now time for all Americans to be front and center in helping to bring awareness and solutions to the task of rebuilding Puerto Rico. Thank you so much, Governor, for your leadership and your support for the people of Puerto Rico."
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