HOLLYWOOD, California — Celebrities are often known for their philanthropic work, using their well-known status to endorse causes and charities that they feel strongly for. Here are five charities that have gotten much support due to their partnerships with famous faces.
1. The Prince’s Trust
The Prince’s Trust is a UK-based organization that supports 13 to 30 year olds who are unemployed or are not pursuing an education. It provides people with the financial and practical support they need to stabilize their lives and progress forward toward a secure position, and also offers a variety of programs that encourage independence and responsibility.
Beyoncé raised funds for The Prince’s Trust during her UK tour with her #BeyGOOD campaign, an operation encouraging people to be kind and charitable. She raised an equivalent of $142,000 by encouraging her concertgoers and fans to text donations and make online donations while on stage. Says CEO Martina Milburn, “We cannot thank Beyoncé and all those who donated enough for their generous support.”
Source: Prince’s Trust
Photo: If You Blinked
2. Soles4Souls
This nonprofit fights against poverty by collecting new and used shoes and clothes and giving them via direct donations to those in need. The organization also has a variety of programs designed to create jobs in poor and disadvantaged communities.
Many celebrities have donated their signed shoes for Shoe Auction Benefits, an event put on by Soles4Souls. One particular celebrity has donated 2,000 pairs of shoes in the past — Scarlett Johansson has held ties with Soles4Souls for a long time now. She said, “If you can’t dig deep in your pockets, then dig in your closet! Americans can make a huge difference with Soles4Souls by donating shoes.”
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine, Soles4Souls
Photo: Examiner
3. Partners in Health
Partners in Health is a well-known organization, focused on providing health care for those in poverty. It focuses on a model of solidarity rather than just charity by directly asking people what they need to build themselves up, creating the “partnership.”
The Canadian indie rock band Arcade Fire has long supported the efforts of Partners in Health, especially because of member Regine Chassagne’s Haitian roots. Their support has included organizing special fundraising events, donating proceeds from merchandise and even going directly to Haiti to see first-hand what their donations would do for the country.
While on their 2014 tour, the band has been donating $1 for every ticket sold to the organization and the efforts have raised over $1 million so far. Says Chassagne about her time in Haiti, “In the rural mountains, the moonlight seems thinner than usual, but Haitians have long mastered the art of finding their way in the dark.”
Source: Partners in Health
Photo: The Guardian
4. Oceana
Oceana, founded in 2001, is the largest international organization focused solely on ocean conservation. While this organization does not directly aid people, Oceana is aware that oceans drive countries’ economies and that climate change is especially detrimental to those living in poverty. It thus focuses on identifying solutions to problems such as depleting resources and polluted water. Celebrities such as Morgan Freeman have shown their support by speaking at events, performing at fundraisers and donating.
Source: Oceana
Photo: Sea Change Summer Party
5. Golden Hat Foundation
Founded by Kate Winslet, this nonprofit strives to change the way those with autism are perceived by showcasing their abilities and emphasizing their potential. Their goals include establishing post-high school campuses specially designed to highlight the intelligence and strengths of those on the autism spectrum, especially for the individuals with nonverbal autism.
Says Winslet, “As I thought about what that meant, for a mother not to be able to talk with her own child, I realized that I had to lend my voice to raise awareness of this rapidly increasing disorder.” Winslet wrote a book called The Golden Hat to bring awareness, and celebrities promoted her cause by posting photos of themselves wearing fedoras.
Source: Oceana
Photo: Ellen Page
While stories of bad news around the world seem to be steadily increasing, it is refreshing to realize that the desire to fight against poverty and injustice is shared in solidarity.
– Joan Chung
Featured Photo: Right Wording