ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico- In this year’s Academy Award winning film “The Dallas Buyers Club,” Jennifer Garner portrays Eve Saks, a doctor who treats Matthew McConaughey’s character and other patients who are diagnosed with AIDS and HIV. Her character’s passion on screen is a trait that Garner also exhibits off the screen as shown when it was announced that she will deepen her involvement with the world’s top independent charity for youth, Save the Children.
“In my new role with Save the Children, I hope to make an even bigger difference in the lives of children right here in America and around the world,” said Garner, who is married to fellow actor and humanitarian Ben Affleck.
“All children, whether they are born into poverty or affluence, have the right to grow up healthy, learn and make something of their lives,” stated Garner, after committing to a six-year tenure on Save the Children’s board of trustees, where she will work towards finding solutions for issues affecting children worldwide.
Garner joins the company of once ABC News president David Westin, former chairman of Xerox Corporation Anne Mulcahy and ABC News commentator Cokie Roberts. Garner’s involvement with Save the Children is nothing new as she has served as the non-profit’s Artist Ambassador since 2009 and has visited early education programs in impoverished rural communities nationwide.
Last year, Garner helped launch bipartisan legislation on Capitol Hill, calling for politicians to expand learning opportunities for children in America. Currently, two out of five children don’t attend preschool, which according to a Stanford University study, can lead to a developmental gap of six months before the child turns 2. This developmental gap is even more common for low-income households with children.
“As moms, we all want our children to do the very best they can, in school and in life. But early education opportunities are out of reach for so many families in this country. As a result, children enter school already behind and at risk of never catching up,” explained Garner. “All children deserve the chance to succeed, but right now millions don’t get one. With this legislation, we have an historic opportunity to give the nearly one in four children living in poverty a chance at a brighter future.”
Garner’s passion for broadening educational opportunities is well received, especially, to Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children. “Jennifer Garner brings not only star power, but also a wealth of knowledge, experience and unmatched compassion to our organization. She is an avid advocate for early childhood education programs in the United States and we look forward to expanding her role within our organization.” Garner will now be calling on politicians and other leaders to join her fight towards providing a strong foundation for America’s youth.
“Three-year olds don’t even have bootstraps to pull on. Our leaders in Washington and in the states must commit every resource to put all children on an equal path to success,” says Garner. “Working with Save the Children, I hope to help young mothers give the same educational boost to their children that I try to give my own kids.”
Sources: Save the Children, Save the Children, People
Photo: O Canada