Packers QB Aaron Rodgers helping small businesses near hometown with new COVID fund

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is helping small businesses around his hometown survive the devastating financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rodgers, the NFL’s MVP in 2020, teamed up with North Valley Community Fund to create the “Aaron Rodgers Small-Business COVID-19 Fund,” which is already providing financial assistance to various small businesses in and around the Chico area in California.

On his official Instagram account, Rodgers has shared several video calls with local businesses announcing their involvement in the fund. Restaurants, coffee shops and book stores have been among the businesses picked to receive assistance from the fund.

“I think it’s important we don’t leave the middle class behind because they are the backbone of our society,” Rodgers said in a press release. “This is to get people through. … People are in need right now and who knows how long we have to save these businesses.”

Rodgers initially donated $500,000 to start the fund, with another $200,000 from the North Valley Community Fund and an anonymous donor.

The Packers quarterback was inspired by “The Barstool Fund,” a similar charitable organization created to help businesses during the pandemic. Last month, Rodgers donated another $500,000 to the fund.

More on the fund, including how to donate, can be found here.

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