Bethenny Frankel says helping with "crisis relief" following the devastation caused by hurricanes in the US last year has "changed her life".
The ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ star raised funds via her B Strong Charity Program and chartered a plane filled with resources after a string of storms battered Texas and Puerto Rico last year, and has now said her decision to help out those in need has changed her entire outlook on life.
She said: "Getting involved in crisis relief, it’s changed my life … Puerto Rico brought together so many people for me, especially on this side. Many people in Miami, many people that I know and people who are not wealthy. Nurses, teachers, people who are unemployed, coming together, working 24 hours a day because people understood the gravity of the situation."
Bethenny says also sent aid to Mexico in September when the country was struck by a powerful Earthquake, and has said that seeing families in vulnerable situations has led her to really appreciate the bond she has with her eight-year-old daughter Bryn, whom she has with ex-husband Jason Hoppy.
She added: "Family is so much a part of surviving these things. People feel happy just that they’re with their family, just that they’re alive. People just seem so dedicated to their faith, their religion, their family. There’s a pride. I’ve never seen anything like this in my life."
The 47-year-old reality star admitted helping people in their time of need has become "contagious" for her, and she now tries to lend a hand to those who "feel helpless" whenever she can.
Speaking to People Now, she said: "It sort of became contagious. It was a beautiful thing to watch people do something because you led by example.
"My hero is someone who helps when they feel helpless. When they just simply don’t know what to do but figure it out along the way."
Bethenny Frankel: Crisis relief changed my life
