SEATTLE — In the new film “Oceans 8”, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter and Sarah Paulson lead audiences through a fantastic jewelry heist. While people know and love these women for their acting careers, few know of the incredible philanthropic work they do off-screen. Through the stars’ many efforts, the “Oceans 8” cast’s philanthropy is changing the world.
Sandra Bullock Exemplifies the “Oceans 8” Cast’s Philanthropy by Quietly Donating Millions
In 2017, after Hurricane Harvey struck Houston, Texas, Bullock donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help assist the survivors. This is not the first significant donation Bullock has made to the organization, having donated $5 million to the Red Cross since 2001. Additionally, Bullock donated $1 million to Doctors Without Borders in 2010 after the Haitian earthquake and donated $25,000 in 2005 to help rebuild a high school hit by Hurricane Katrina, truly embodying the “Oceans 8” cast’s philanthropy.
Her charitable donations and her passionate commitment to helping others led to Bullock being named Glamour Woman of the Year in 2006, but her disinterest in having her charity recognized is what really makes her stand out. Bullock emphasizes that she does not want publicity for the altruistic work she does, only approving media attention if the organization itself wants or needs the coverage.
Rihanna Named Harvard’s 2017 Humanitarian of the Year for Her Commitment to Charitable Causes
Following in the footsteps of past winners such as Malala Yousafzai and Hans Rosling, Rihanna was honored by Harvard in a 2017 ceremony for her philanthropic work. Among many achievements, Rihanna built a high-tech oncology and nuclear medicine center to diagnose and treat breast cancer in her native country of Barbados. She is also a supporter of the Global Partnership for Education and Global Citizen Project, which aim to provide education to children in developing countries. She also founded the Clara Lionel Foundation, a scholarship program for Caribbean students seeking a college education in the United States.
Mindy Kaling Spent Her 36th Birthday Donating to Charities Suggested by Fans
Not to be outdone by the rest of the “Oceans 8” cast’s philanthropy, in 2015 Kaling tweeted to her fans requesting links to their favorite charities so that she could go “shopping” for her birthday. The Trevor Project, Sibling Connections, Be the Match and the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation were all suggested and retweeted by Kaling as she spent her birthday giving back.
U.N. Goodwill Ambassador Anne Hathaway Supports Women’s Rights Across the Globe
As a Goodwill Ambassador, Hathaway advocates for and works to raise awareness about many women’s issues, including the burden of childcare at home, the need for affordable daycare services and both maternal and paternal leave. This is not the first time Hathaway has used her voice to bring change, having advocated with the Nike Foundation against child marriage and lending her voice to the documentary “Girl Rising”, which spotlighted female education. Hathaway is a constant and determined voice for change.
Helena Bonham Carter Uses Her Voice to Advocate for Refugees
In February 2016, Carter participated in an open letter to then-Prime Minister of the U.K., David Cameron, requesting that the government allow unaccompanied children living in the Jungle refugee camp in Calais to return to their families in the U.K. The letter called for an expedited asylum process for these children who are alone and struggling in the camp. Carter was joined by other celebrities such as Idris Elba, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jude Law.
Sarah Paulson Works with the K.I.N.D. Fund to Provide Desks to Children in Need
The K.I.N.D. Fund, begun by Lawrence O’Donnell in 2010, is focused on providing educational tools to children in Malawi. Often, children in Malawi must sit and work on the floor rather than in a chair with a desk. Having a desk has an empowering effect on the children’s education and Paulson is proud to be a part of providing it. Since Paulson joined the organization, donations have gone through the roof, exemplifying the effect of the “Oceans 8” cast’s philanthropy.
Cate Blanchett Appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. Refugee Agency
Upon her return from visiting refugee families in Jordan displaced by the Syrian Civil War in May 2016, Blanchett was announced as the newest global Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. Refugee Agency. Blanchett had been working with the agency for a year prior to her appointment, visiting refugees in Lebanon and raising awareness about this growing issue. As a mother, Blanchett says that she is proud to take on the role and show her children the role compassion plays in the world.
The “Oceans 8” cast’s philanthropy is making a difference in the world as these women all continue to use their star power for the benefit of those in need.
– Sarah Dean
Photo: Flickr