Look To The Stars News: Shakira

Orlando Bloom Becomes UNICEF Ambassador

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Actor Orlando Bloom has been appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world.

“Advocacy from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors helps build momentum to improve the lives of children around the world,” said UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman. “We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children.”

Bloom has already seen the work UNICEF is doing in Nepal, Russia, and Sarajevo. And he is committed to supporting UNICEF’s efforts: “I look forward to working with UNICEF as they continue to make the world a better place for children.”

Bloom said he wants to be an active Ambassador for the children’s organization. He will follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Shakira, Sir Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Vanessa Redgrave and many others. These ambassadors devote their time to raising awareness of UNICEF, and influencing global policy on behalf of children around the world.

Bloom has supported UNICEF’s work since 2007, when he first visited schools in the remote western districts of Kaski and Chitwan, two of the poorest areas of Nepal. He was able to see how UNICEF’s water and sanitation programmes benefit local families. In Nepal, Orlando spoke about the importance of education; and when asked by the children, he agreed to perform a small role in their local school radio production.

Bloom went to Nepal again in June 2008 to see how UNICEF and its partners are working to provide clean water for children and families. He has also visited the Krasnoselsky centre in Moscow, a shelter for children from economically vulnerable families.

“UNICEF doesn’t just deliver humanitarian aid, which is what they are known for all over the world,” he said. “They also educate and provide tools which help women and children face challenges specific to their own lives. I responded to how UNICEF works as much as I did to the work itself. I look forward to learning more and to supporting UNICEF any way I can.”

Shakira's Charity To Open New School For Underprivileged Children

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The charity for underprivileged children founded by Colombian pop star Shakira is to open its sixth special school in the singer’s native country.

The singer established Pies Descalzos in 1995 to improve education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia

“We are going to open our sixth school,” said Shakira. “We provide an education and nutrition for over [6000 kids], in areas that have been devastated by extreme poverty. Colombia [has the second] largest amount of displaced people. We don’t have refugee camps but millions of people lost everything they had and kids don’t have access to an education.

“From the moment I had my first international success at 18, I decided to establish this foundation. It’s taught me a lot and fascinates me – you see first hand how education is such a powerful tool.”

David Beckham Joins Shakira At Children's Hospital

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

David Beckham, Shakira, Kellie Pickler and Ryan Seacrest were some of the stars who visited the Children’s Hospital of Orange County for Lollipop Live ’09 on Tuesday.

The celebrities signed autographs, posed for photos and handed out stuffed animals to the patients as part of the fundraiser sponsored by local radio station KIIS FM.

Seacrest broadcast live from CHOC and asked listeners to text in $5 donations in support of Radio Lollipop. Last year, the event raised about $30,000 for the program, which allows patients to go on air and request songs.

To see photos and video of the event, click here.

Annie Lennox To Play Unplugged In South Africa

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox will play a special unplugged concert in South Africa next month for charity.

The singer will perform at the Teatro theatre in Montecasino on July 8 to raise funds and awareness for her SING Foundation.

“Audiences will see the star up close and personal, accompanied by nothing other than her piano and her stories,” said Penny Stein, spokeswoman for the event.

SING was launched in 2007 to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

Tickets are available here and include a pre-show cocktail party with a special performance by the Soweto Gospel Choir.

Annie Lennox SINGS In Norway

Tue, 19 May 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox was in Norway last week to host a special event that aimed to raise money and awareness for the SING Campaign against AIDS.

The singer performed in Oslo on May 15 at an event in which guests were required to make a minimum donation of NOK 1,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite.

SING was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One third of pregnant women in South Africa are HIV positive,” said the 53-year-old in a recent CNN interview. “We can prevent their children being born with the virus if we let the women have access to treatment. If you do not allow that to happen, you’re going to have future generations simply being wiped out.”

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

Shakira Helps Bridge Educational Divide In Her Home Country

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

Singer-songwriter Shakira visited a school funded by her charity, Fondacion Pies Descalzos, in the Colombian province of Chocó late last week.

The trip to the remote, poverty stricken location marks Shakira’s continued presence in the effort to create educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in her home country.

Chocó, a Department of Colombia located in the western part of the country, is situated in a dense rainforest environment. Largely isolated from the rest of the nation, it is one of the Departments of Columbia with the worst living conditions for human life. Internal strife amongst the Colombian military, the local paramilitaries, and FARC guerillas has often left citizens caught in the crosshairs of what is often a violent conflict, and has caused three million people to flee their homes. As a result, Colombia is the country with the second largest population of displaced people in the world, after Sudan.

In this environment of extreme poverty and violence, the presence of the Foundation’s school means that students, 750 pupils in all, can learn in a safe facility and receive clean uniforms and one meal per day—the only guarantee for food for many of the children.

Providing access to education for those most in need has been a priority for the charity. Shakira reported to the BBC that, “One-hundred per cent of our kids that we have in our school here have been displaced or have families that have fled their home towns.”

The pop star’s efforts have not gone unnoticed for the citizens of Chocó, where excitement at the news of her arrival stems not only from Shakira’s status as a music icon, but also because of the impact of her school on the local community.

On a national level, Shakira’s goal for better education is beginning to get the notice of the Colombian government. In February, Colombian President Alvaro Uribe attended the opening ceremony for Pies Descalzos’ fifth flagship school, and awarded the singer a medal in recognition of her leadership.

When asked by a reporter why she chooses to do this type of work, she answered simply—“Why wouldn’t I?”

“Having been born and raised in a country like this one, being from a developing country impacts you and affects you in a different way. You just want to grow up and can’t wait to be someone in life to change the stuff that sometimes you feel so frustrated about…the stuff that I grew up seeing and not being able to settle for.”

Shakira created the Fondacion Pies Descalzos, or Barefeet Foundation, in 1995, after the success of her third album, Pies Descalzos. Its’ main goal is to fund schools for poor children all over Colombia. Visit the official website and watch the Barefoot Video to learn the stories of the children who participate in the Pies Descalzos program. A BBC video featuring an interview with Shakira about her school visit can be viewed here.

Annie Lennox Raises Awareness Of SING Campaign

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox has just released her new Greatest Hits collection in the US and has used the occasion to raise awareness of a new campaign being run by SING, an initiative she established to bring attention to AIDS/HIV in Africa.

Over the next few weeks and months, SING will be telling the stories of four women in Africa who are currently living their lives and raising their families whilst dealing with the effects of HIV/AIDS.

After personally witnessing Nelson Mandela describe the African HIV pandemic as a genocide, with women and children becoming the frontline victims, Annie Lennox set out to try and do something about it.

The singer launched the SING Campaign in 2007 when she released a special fundraising single called Sing, which featured a 23-member choir of female celebrities, including Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell. Proceeds from the single went to the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), an organization that that provides much needed support in the continent’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The money raised by SING helps prevent the spread of HIV in South Africa, and also supports those currently living with HIV.

“[The focus of the SING Campaign] is really on women,“ Lennox told CNN last week. “I understand what it is for a woman to want to protect their children and give them the best they can.“

To follow the new campaign being run by SING, visit their website. A video announcing the new campaign for 2009 can be viewed here.

Charitable Stars Shine For Obama

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Celebrities were out and about in droves on Tuesday to celebrate Barack Obama’s inauguration by attending several charity balls.

One of the largest was the Creative Coalition Ball at the Harman Center for the Arts in Washington DC. The sold-out event cost between $10,000 and $100,000 to attend, and attracted appearances by Ashley Judd, Anne Hathaway, Susan Sarandon, Kerry Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Rachel Leigh Cook, Ron Howard, Heather Graham, Forest Whitaker, Magic Johnson and many more. Entertainment was provided by Elvis Costello, Sam Moore and Sting.

The Creative Coalition is a nonprofit public charity organized by the creative community to learn about pressing issues so they can better inform and influence the community and nation.

Also taking place on the other side of town – at Club Ibiza – was a ball organized by the Recording Industry Association of America to benefit Feeding America.

Hosted by Courteney Cox and David Arquette, the evening attracted big names such as Rihanna, Shakira, Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Cher, T.I:, Kanye West, Josh Groban, and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Obama's Inauguration Set To Rock

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Barack Obama’s official inauguration concert this weekend is going to be a who’s who of the music industry, with some of the world’s biggest superstars confirmed to perform or attend.

The lineup for this Night Of Nights includes Bono and U2, Beyoncé Knowles, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Garth Brooks, Usher, Shakira, Sheryl Crow, John Legend, James Taylor, {celerity:Josh Groban}, and Mary J. Blige. Historical passages will be read by Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington.

The show will be aired on HBO at 7pm EST on Sunday, January 18, via an open feed, which means cable and satellite viewers will see the show for free.

“On that first day, we asked Springsteen, Bono and Garth Brooks within a period of 45 minutes and got three `yeses,’” said executive producer George Stevens Jr. “We said, `This is going to be fun.’”

The concert will be held at the Lincoln Memorial, and the Obama family is expected to attend.

Miley Cyrus Joins Jonas Brothers For Inauguration Gig

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers have been confirmed to perform on the eve of President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration at a concert honoring military families.

The “Kids’ Inaugural: We Are the Future” concert will air Monday, January 19, on the Disney Channel. The show will be held at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C, and will be hosted by Michelle Obama. The event will be simulcast on Radio Disney, and will be streamed on Disney.com immediately following the culmination of the telecast on Disney Channel.

“We are honored and excited to have such top level talent performing and producing these events,” said Emmett S. Beliveau, Executive Director of the Presidential Inaugural Committee. “Working with ABC and Disney, we are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever.”

The following night, January 20, will see The Neighborhood Inaugural Ball take place, featuring Beyoncé Knowles, Jay-Z, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Alicia Keys and Shakira. The show will allow the Obamas to meet some of their new neighbors in the District of Columbia, and will be broadcast live on ABC.

“We are bringing these exciting performances into the homes of millions of Americans to make this the most open and accessible inauguration celebration ever,” said Beliveau.

Stars Sing Praises For Annie Lennox

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

December 1 marked the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and some of the stars involved have paid tribute to her work.

“Congratulations for all the hard work that Sing has done in the last year, good luck and much love for the next year to come,“ said Anastacia. “Happy First birthday Sing! ”

“Congratulations on all the success of the foundation,“ added Gladys Knight. “We all must do our part to make a difference. Thank you so much for stepping up to the plate.”

“Happy anniversary ‘SING’!“ said Joss Stone. “Well done to everyone on the team and a special well done to Annie for sticking her neck out for the things that she believes in! I am inspired and proud to be part of this.”

Bonnie Raitt also wrote a note of support: “Thanks for all the wonderful work you’ve done this year with the Sing campaign. I’m so proud to have joined together with so many wonderful singers to help Annie raise awareness and support for the terrible problem of HIV/AIDS especially for women in Africa. I’ve loved Annie’s music for years and hope we can work miracles with her beautiful song and Sister Choir.”

A special first birthday film for the campaign – featuring Lennox – can be found at YouTube.

Annie Lennox Sings For World AIDS Day

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, December 1, is World AIDS Day – and also the first anniversary of Annie Lennox’s SING Campaign, and the star has launched a host of new additions to the SING website to celebrate.

Among the additions are a new Timeline that plots the progress of the campaign since its launch, and an Advent calendar which will unlock a new window every day through December that features either SING video’s, SING Image’s or a special video message from Lennox. There is also a new Widget that can be downloaded for Facebook, Bebo, MySpace and other sites, as well as a special SING Campaign YouTube site. Lennox is also writing a column in today’s issue of Britain’s The Sun newspaper about her work with SING.

To watch a special video celebrating the first anniversary of the SING campaign, click here.

Annie Lennox Sings Praises For Charity Work

Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox has written an update about her SING campaign, an initiative she launched last year to raise money for AIDS treatment projects.

“December 1st will be World Aids day, and will also be the 1st anniversary of the launch of SING,“ she wrote in her latest blog. “I think it’s essential that anyone who supports the campaign gets a clearly outlined list of everything we’ve done so far, so that you can get a better understanding of our accomplishments.“

The campaign was launched to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign through the sales of an all-star single that featured the voices of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell.

“One of the reasons SING supports the Treatment Action Campaign is because it is a “grassroots” organization, run by the people “for” the people,“ wrote Lennox. “Once you can start to empower people with information, education and collective solidarity, you can begin to implement effective changes at a community level. Now that there is a new health minister in South Africa, there can be a window of opportunity to take some significant steps towards saving and sustaining lives. In a few weeks I will be having a meeting with the CEO of TAC, where we’ll have the chance to discuss what needs to be done, and how we can go about instilling and supporting positive action asap.

“Meanwhile thank you for supporting SING… as I’ve said before, we’re in for the long haul, and I aim to make a difference!“

It has also been announced that Lennox is to receive a Special Achievement Award at the 2008 German Sustainability Awards for her commitment to a sustainable future, in particular her commitment in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The ceremony will take place in Düsseldorf on December 5.

The Stars On Poverty - What Do They Think?

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

October 15 marks the second annual Blog Action Day, when bloggers around the world focus on discuss one prominent issue through individual ideas, actions, and thoughts.

This year’s topic is poverty, and Look To The Stars has delved into our archives to find 12 quotes relating to the thoughts of some of the most noteworthy celebrities who are devoted to finding solutions to global poverty.

Bono : “It is extraordinary to me that you can find $700 billion to save Wall Street, and the entire G-8 can’t find $25 billion to save 25,000 children who die every day of preventable disease and hunger.“

Brad Pitt : “Do we really believe in our hearts that we’re all equal? And if we believe this, what are we going to do about it? I’ve seen it [poverty in Africa], I’ve been there, and to walk away from it and turn my back makes me culpable. And I can’t do that.”

Angelina Jolie : “It’s always hard to see decent people, families, living in such difficult conditions. What is most upsetting is how long it is taking the international community to answer this crisis… You go to these places and you realize what life’s really about and what people are really going through. These people are my heroes.”

George Clooney : “It is one thing to talk about the problems of the world and quite another to actually try to change things… We tend to not get to see enough of what we need to see anymore. It seems as if at times celebrity can bring that focus. It can’t make the policies, it can’t change people’s minds really, but you can bring a camera where you go because they’ll follow you and you can shine a light on it. That seems to be my job.”

Nelson Mandela : “As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest.“

Annie Lennox : “The issues can no longer be ignored. We have brought them to the table. Every one of us believes that this is a just and righteous cause. Together, with focus and determination, we can all begin to make poverty history.”

Shakira : “Don’t believe that it isn’t possible to educate the world’s poorest children. We do it every day in Colombia, a country second only to Iraq in terms of the number of internally displaced people who’ve fled their homes because of the horrors of war.“

Jackie Chan : “People must understand that if Earth did not have humans, Earth would continue to exist. But if humans did not have Earth, we would not survive. Please put aside your personal grudges and resentments, cast your views on the whole of the world, the entire planet. You will discover that we are all human beings and what we need is to help each other.“

Roger Moore : “I have met countless children who are benefiting, whose lives have been saved by UNICEF programs. Many are living in appalling poverty, without the day-to-day essentials we take for granted. Others are bravely struggling to survive in situations of conflict. The work we do today is vital and lifesaving.“

Bob Geldof : “To do something unparalleled in the world, and especially at the beginning of the 21st Century, and that is to tilt the world a little bit on its axis in favor of the poor.“

Scarlett Johansson : “It’s amazing to come home when you see people living in poverty. On one hand you’re thinking, my celebrity life is so surreal, but it’s my work and it helps me bring awareness to Oxfam.”

Bill Clinton : “In this decade we’ve had the biggest increase in income inequality in America in 80 years… Income is 1,000 dollars lower today than the day I left office, while health care costs have doubled. At any given time in the year about 100 million will be without health care and the cost of a college education is up 75 percent. The average debt of a college graduate is 50 percent higher than it was at the beginning of this decade. You see that there is a fair amount of inequality problems in America and climate change affects us all.”

Read more about Blog Action Day here.

Shakira Pens Article On Humanitarian Inspiration

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Colombian pop star Shakira has written an article in the latest edition of Newsweek detailing the inspiration of her humanitarian work.

The 31-year-old has written candidly about how her parents sent her to stay with family friends in Los Angeles when she was seven following her father’s bankruptcy.

“We had gone from being middle class to poor almost overnight, and from my 7-year-old child’s perspective it was hard to imagine anything worse“, she wrote. “I can still viscerally remember the seeming desperation of that moment.“

After returning to Colombia, she remembers seeing poor street children in the park – “They were my age and their faces didn’t look all that different from mine or my friends’, yet these children truly had nothing. They lived in the dirt, in tattered clothes and with bare feet, scrounging through garbage for anything to eat. Many sniffed glue to dull the pain of their existence. Despite our situation, my parents wanted me to know that it could be far worse. At that moment, I promised myself that if I was ever able to help, I would.“

Shakira went on to release her first album – called “Pies Descalzos” (“Barefoot” in Spanish) – and set up a charitable foundation “to help kids like the ones I had seen in the park 10 years before and too many times since. I hoped that, as my life and career progressed, I could help poor children escape poverty and make progress in their own lives.“

Since it was established, Pies Descalzos has successfully served thousands of Colombia’s poorest children, providing nutritious meals, quality educations, counseling services and giving Colombia’s youth the chance to pull themselves out of the poverty cycle.

The singer is now taking her organization to the world to address the 72 million young children who do not attend primary school and the 226 million who are not in secondary school.

Shakira’s Newsweek story goes on to outline her global plans for her charity work, and how governments must work to assist in the education of their children.

“Education affects every aspect of economic development and global stability,“ she wrote. “Research has shown that a single year of primary education creates a 10 to 20 percent increase in a woman’s wages later in life. Education also prevents disease: a young person with a secondary education is three times less likely to contract HIV. Education even leads to more efficient agriculture and improved nutrition.“

The singer – who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide – is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and, in December 2007, traveled to Bangladesh to visit UNICEF-supported education projects. She also met with women and children affected by Cyclone Sidr.

“We can be the first generation to make education universally available — providing it to all children, everywhere, with no excuses. A barefoot child I saw years ago in the park deserves the same opportunity as any other child.“

The entire article can be found at the Newsweek website.

Shakira Reveals Global Charity Plans

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Colombian pop star Shakira’s charity is to go global by the end of the year.

The 31-year-old established Pies Descalzos to improve education, nutrition, and the lives of the thousands of displaced children living in perilous conditions because of the violent internal conflict in Colombia. Speaking at an Earth Institute meeting with South American leaders at America’s Columbia University on Wednesday, she said, “For less than $2 a day, we can provide a kid with top quality education and the nutrition that they need to be able to function and be able to learn, because a kid with an empty stomach cannot learn… This model that has been so successful in my country, I now want to bring it to other countries in my small way.”

She also urged Latin American presidents to include the development of children during the next Ibero-American summit to be held in El Salvador.

Wednesday’s meeting – which was also attended by the presidents of Mexico, Argentina, Paraguay, El Salvador and Panama – raised interest in the singer’s philanthropic endeavors, and she was more than happy with the response she got: “They seem very committed and that’s what we need. We need all the leaders of Latin America to have a definite commitment toward our children [because] the children of Latin America are waiting for opportunities. Where I come from, every child who is born poor will die poor and we have to change this – and this is the moment to do it. We are at the threshold of a new wave of awareness and sensibility toward our children’s issues. But early childhood development should be at the top of our priorities and at the top of every president’s agenda.”

The Latin American leaders who attended the debate expressed their commitment to bring up the topic during the El Salvador summit in November.

Shakira Wins Humanitarian Award

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Colombian pop star Shakira proved hips don’t lie when she received an ALMA award on Sunday for the humanitarian work she has been doing for Latin America’s impoverished children.

The American Latino Media Arts awards – hosted by Eva Longoria – celebrated the achievements of Latin American performers, with accolades going to America Ferrera, Linda Ronstadt, and Charlie Sheen.

Shakira, who is a UNICEF Ambassador and recently took part in concerts to bring a stop to civil unrest in Colombia, received the award for her work to improve the lives of children in Colombia and Latin America.

“I feel unworthy to accept this award because we have only scratched the surface,” said the singer. “There is still so much to be done.”

Shakira founded Pies Descalzos – a Colombian charity that runs special schools for poor children – in 1997. She has taken part in a multitude of benefit concerts and has visited many people affected by natural disasters, including the victims of Hurricane Sidr in Bangladesh. It was revealed at the 2007 Clinton Global Initiative that she had donated a massive $40 million to help the victims of natural disasters around the world. Earlier this year she acted as Chairperson for the Global Campaign for Education’s Action Week to generate awareness about the Education for All Act, during which she spoke with a number of world leaders to promote a move towards Global Education.

Shakira Takes Part In Colombian Peace Rallies

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

South American pop princess Shakira led nationwide demonstrations in her native Colombia yesterday demanding the liberation of hundreds of hostages held by rebels.

The 31-year-old made a pledge last week to keep fighting for the release of hostages held by Colombian rebels after 15 captives were freed earlier this month. She met with Ingrid Betancourt – a former Colombian presidential candidate and hostage – on Wednesday to raise awareness of the on-going struggle against violence in the country, and agreed to be part of the worldwide rallies that took place yesterday.

Over a million people took to the streets of Colombia for the rallies, and demanded the rebels stop their regime of violence. Many of them – wearing white clothes to symbolize peace – attended concerts held around the country, including one in the city of Leticia, where Shakira performed the national anthem in front of Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.

“Today is a historic day,” said Shakira. “We unite, unite our voices in a single shout: Liberty!”

Over 80 solidarity rallies were held around the world on Sunday, with Betancourt staging one of the biggest in Paris. Several thousand people attended the concert, which featured more than 30 artists including Colombian star Juanes and Spain’s Miguel Bose. French artists Renan Luce and Michel Delpech were also present.

The Colombian government estimates that over 700 hostages are still held by the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

Shakira Fights Terrorism In Colombia

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Shakira and nine other Latin music stars have vowed to keep fighting for the release of hostages held by Colombian rebels after 15 captives were freed last week.

The 31-year-old Colombian singing sensation made her pledge in an open letter to the 15 ex-hostages – including French-Colombian politician Ingrid Betancourt – along with performers David Bisbal, Juan Fernando Velasco, Ricardo Montaner, Paulina Rubio, Juan Luis Guerra, Alejandro Sanz and Miguel Bose.

“We will continue until we see all of them free,"said the singer. "Our eyes and lips will not rest until we see and kiss those who remain captives of those without conscience.”

The Colombian military rescued the hostages from the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) last Wednesday. The guerrilla group still holds at least 700 hostages for ransom, and Shakira says the fight against terrorism in her home country is far from over.

Robin Hood Gets Merry For Charity!

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 11:32:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The stars came out for the Robin Hood Foundation’s annual fundraising gala last week, in an evening that shone, sparkled, and made the charity millions of dollars.

About 4,000 people gathered at the event held at the Javits Center in New York, including rapper Jay-Z, Russell Simmons, Tom Brokaw, Miramax boss Harvey Weinstein, and American Idol winner David Cook. The proceeds from the event, which included an auction, will go to more than 240 poverty-fighting programs in the city, including Abraham House in the South Bronx, which offers social services to relatives of prison inmates; the Children’s Defense Fund, which seeks better access to health care for poor children, and Broadway Housing Communities, which provides shelter for the homeless or the mentally ill.

The auction was co-hosted by Conan O’Brien, and the evening also featured performances by Shakira, Sheryl Crow, and John Legend.

“Every single penny raised tonight goes to help people claw their way out of poverty and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said David Saltzman, Robin Hood’s executive director. “Despite what’s going on in the economy, people who are in a position to help others step up, and during tough times they step up even more.”

Shakira and Latin Singers Unite Against Child Poverty, Again

Tue, 20 May 2008 10:12:26 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

The ‘Concert For The Children’ was staged last weekend, simultaneously in Mexico and Argentina, free to the over 300,000 expected viewers.

Packed with Latin stars including Shakira, Ricky Martin, Alejandro Sanz, Chayanne, Diego Torres, Juanes, Maná and Miguel Bosé, the concerts’ goal was to raise funds that charity ALAS will use to help the millions of children living in poverty throughout Latin America, and where an estimated 350,000 children die from poverty every year.

“People are condemned to poverty because there are no exits or choices,” Shakira said. “And children who don’t receive an opportunity end up as adults being involved with things that they never imagined they would be doing in the first place, like drug trafficking or being recruited into criminal groups. Imagine what Latin America could achieve if we invest in developing the potential of these children.”

ALAS, founded in 2006, has been bringing artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs together to address the social emergency, and focuses on improving nutrition, health and education for children.

32 out of 54 million children in Latin America under the age of five live in poverty.

Shakira, who performed at the Buenos Aires venue, secured $200 million in donations for the performance. Ricky Martin played at the other venue at Mexico City’s main plaza, Zócalo.

“The funny thing is that Latin America produces three times what it needs to feed its population. So, it is doable, we can really eradicate poverty,” Shakira said. “What’s very inspiring is to see Latin America for the first time in charge of its own issues.”

Shakira Promotes Global Campaign For Education Action

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:24:54 -0000

Written by Richard Alan Krieger

Pop sensation Shakira was in Washington D.C. yesterday (April 22) to promote the Global Campaign for Education “Action Week”, which runs from April 21-27. As the group’s honorary spokesperson, she appeared with members of Congress along with students from across the United States to promote the Education for All Act of 2007. This legislation will raise up to $3 billion by 2012 for the basic education globally for the 77 million disadvantaged primary school age children who are out of school.

“Universal education isn’t about charity – it’s about investment,” said 31-year-old singer. “By providing vulnerable children with a basic education we can create a better, safer world.”

Shakira was praised by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on April 21 by telephone for her work to help raise the need for educating disadvantaged children. Shakira also praised Brown, who as British Treasury Chief in 2006 pledged $15 billion over 10 years for education in the developing world.

Commenting on Brown’s interest in expanding education programs, Shakira said, “I could feel how passionate and enthusiastic he was about it.”

“She is inspiring people all over the world,” said Brown. “People who are household names help to galvanize public support all around the world on issues like education, or Darfur.”

The Global Campaign for Education charity group also hopes to generate support for some 226 million older children worldwide who lack access to their public school systems.

Annie Lennox And Friends Sing For Africa

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 12:59:52 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Momentum is building behind Annie Lennox’s Sing Campaign, and the singer is now offering fans the chance to download the song that started it all for free in an initiative to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS problem in South Africa.

US residents will be able to download the song from Amazon MP3 until March 17 and support the Treatment Action Campaign, an orgainization that provides much needed support in the country’s struggle against the deadly virus.

The single, which was made available in the UK through the Body Shop, has sold out in countries such as Ireland and cities such as London. The entire UK has sold half of its stock in only two days, an unprecedented occurrence in the music industry, especially in relation to a charity single.

Lennox was joined by a choir of 23 well-known female performers for the song, which was originally released on her Songs of Mass Destruction album in 2007. The former Eurythmics lead singer believed that a group of female voices would make the message of the song stronger, so she enlisted the talents of Madonna, Céline Dion, Dido, Faith Hill, Joss Stone, Pink, Melissa Etheridge, Fergie, Bonnie Raitt, KT Tunstall, Shakira, Beth Orton, Sarah McLachlan, Anastacia, the Sugababes, KD Lang, Martha Wainwright, Angélique Kidjo, Beverley Knight, Shingai Shoniwa, Gladys Knight, and Isobel Campbell in the recording.

“Because I had written a song called ‘Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves’ in the 80s, which became a fairly well-known feminist anthem really, [I thought] perhaps it would be possible to try to attempt to write another kind of anthemic song for women,” said Lennox. “So I started to write a song and it ended up being called ‘Sing’. I sort of melded the song in with an HIV activist song written by a group of activists living in Khayelitsa in South Africa."

The Sing Campaign, which Lennox launched in 2007, has also just set up a new video on YouTube, in which the public can leave comments in support of the campaign.

More information about the campaign, visit the Sing Campaign website.

Shakira's Auction A Success

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:05:25 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The auction of Shakira’s clothes that we reported on earlier this week was a resounding success, with over $76,000 raised for the Pies Descalzos Foundation.

The money raised will be distributed through the singer’s Bare Feet campaign, and will be used to build a school for needy children in Northern Colombia.

Several items attracted high bids, with a lavender skirt going for $1,000, and a custom-made bra reaching $3,000. But the most sought after item was VIP tickets, including a meet-and-greet, to Shakira’s upcoming concert in Toronto, which sold for $14,000.

“It was a phenomenal success,” said Eric Gazin, president of Auction Cause. “We had bidders from 10 countries.”

But for those who missed out, there is still a few items left – two guitars autographed by the singer are available on eBay until Sunday, February 17.

Shakira Sheds Threads For Charity

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 11:11:47 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Although the Northern Hemisphere is still gripped with winter chills, it has not stopped some celebrities from shedding their clothes… for a good cause, of course.

Latin American pop princess Shakira leads the pack by donating more than 40 items of clothing from her 2007 Oral Fixation Tour to a massive internet auction.

There is an impressive list of garments from the hip-shaking performer’s wardrobe, including a lavender skirt with turqoise and coral beading and a blue tank top emblazoned with the words “For Those Who Love To Rock”. And the demand has been overwhelming, with one dress attracting bids of $10,000, and a custom-made bra reaching $1,126.

“We have bids from all over the world,” said Eric Ganzin, president of Auction Cause. “It’s very exciting.”

Proceeds from the auction will go to the singer’s Pies Descalzos Foundation, and the money will be used for the construction of a school for impoverished children in North Colombia.

But bidders had better be quick – the eBay auction ends in just a few hours.

Former Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar has pushed the envelope a little further by allowing naked photos of herself to be auctioned on eBay.

But before you get too excited, they are not all that they appear: the 30-year-old actress originally posed for the photos in a little black dress that was later removed digitally.

The proceeds from the photos will go to the Coalition of Skin Diseases.

And even Donald Trump is getting in on the act… although thankfully he is keeping his clothes on.

A tie signed by Trump is currently up for auction on eBay, with proceeds going to the Spirit Fund, a fund established by radio station Warm 101.3 to help children in the Rochester area.

The story behind the tie is twisty and, you could say, knotty: When a Kodak executive arrived on set for a recent taping of The Celebrity Apprentice, Trump objected to his tie. He ordered the executive to replace it with one belonging to one of the security guards.

There are only a few hours left in the auction, and bids have already reached $759.

But the biggest celebrity auction on the Net right now is the 50th Grammy Awards Charity Auction on eBay. Over 100 items from some of music’s hottest stars is up for grabs, with all proceeds going to MusiCares.

The auction, which runs until February 21, features exciting and priceless items such as the chance to visit the set of LL Cool J’s next video, a guitar lesson with Joe Satriani, VIP tickets to concerts by Linkin Park, John Legend, and Rihanna, guitars signed by Richie Sambora, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, and Neil Diamond, a microphone signed by Joss Stone, posters and photos signed by Rod Stewart ($167), John Mayer ($170), and Sting ($482), as well as items from Avril Lavigne, Slash, Reba McEntire, Quincy Jones, Beyoncé Knowles, and Snoop Dogg.

The internet auction follows a live auction held on February 8 at Aretha Franklin’s MusiCare’s Person Of The Year Award ceremony. Items that were up for sale on that night included a private painting lesson with Tony Bennett, a saxophone signed by Bill Clinton, sheet music to Stairway To Heaven signed by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, as well as clothing and instruments donated by Elton John, Slash, Madonna, and Bruce Springsteen.

MusiCares is the charitable arm of the Recording Academy, the group that gives out the Grammys, and focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly impact the health and welfare of the music community.

Clinton Asks Miners To Dig Deep

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:07:27 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Former US president Bill Clinton and Canadian mining financier Frank Giustra, partners in the new Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI), are asking the mining and financial community to dig deep into their pockets.

Invitations have been sent out for a March 1 event to be held in Toronto, where comedian Robin Williams and musicians Elton John, Shakira, and Burton Cummings are expected to perform. The cost will range between $25,000 and $300,000 per table, and proceeds will help CGSGI assist mining communities long after the industry leaves.

“When Frank Giustra brought forward the idea of having the world’s mining sector pull together in support of alleviating poverty and building sustainable local economies in developing countries, I knew it would only succeed if the industry was serious about being actively involved,” said Mr Clinton.

Donations to CGSGI from mining sector companies have amounted to nearly $350 million, including Giustra’s own pledge of $100 million. Lundin for Africa, the philanthropic arm of the Lundin Group of Companies, has also pledged $100 million.

“The Lundin contribution sends a strong signal that the resource sector is prepared to step up and take the initiative off the drawing board and turn it into a reality for developing countries around the world,” said Mr Giustra. “I firmly believe that this innovative partnership between the Clinton Foundation and the business community – and the mining industry in particular – will have a profound and positive effect on the lives of countless people in the developing world during the months and years ahead.”

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