Look To The Stars News: Annie Lennox

Stars Write Letters To Themselves For Charity Book

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

If you were to write a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would it say?

In the new book Dear Me, some of the world’s best loved personalities have written just such a letter. Their letters range from the compassionate, to the shocking via hilarity and heartbreak – but they all have one thing in common: they offer a unique glimpse at the teenager who grew up to be a house-hold name.

£1 from each copy sold will be given to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“We’ve all written a letter to our sixteen-year-old selves collected together in the fabulous new book, DEAR ME: A LETTER TO MY SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD SELF,” said Sir Elton John. "It’s a wonderful, uplifting and poignant journey through the lives of some of the country’s best-loved personalities and would make a great gift for all your friends and family this Christmas.

“Your purchase will also directly benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which works throughout the world to provide support to those affected with HIV and AIDS.

“DEAR ME made me laugh, cry and reminisce to when I was 16 – so I went and wrote a letter too. It starts ‘Dear Reg’ and ends ‘CHANGE YOUR NAME!’ I hope you enjoy it!”

Some of the stars featured in the book include Annie Lennox, Burt Bacharach, Alan Carr, Rosanne Cash, Julian Clary, Jackie Collins, Jenny Éclair, Tracey Emin, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Jane Fonda, Mark Foster, Stephen Fry, Rolf Harris, Debbie Harry, Peter Kay, Patsy Kensit, Lynda La Plante, Baz Luhrmann, Joanna Lumley, James Nesbitt, Yoko Ono, Jonathan Ross, Emma Thompson, Desmond Tutu, Suzanne Vega, Alfre Woodard, and Sir Elton John.

Dear Me is the perfect gift for anyone, mum, dad, cousin, aunt, nephew or perhaps someone who is turning 16.

To buy a copy, click here.

Annie Lennox Supports Petition To Help Grieving Families

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox is encouraging people to sign a new petition that aims to change laws concerning Scottish people who die abroad.

Under current laws, there is no mandatory investigation of cases where Scottish people are killed while overseas, which leaves many grieving families without answers of their loved ones’ last movements. This was highlighted by a recent case involving Scottish teenager Colin Love, who was drowned off the coast of Venezuela earlier this year. His family and friends are frustrated the Scottish coroner did not hold a fatal accident investigation into his death, a frustration that makes his death more difficult to grieve.

Colin’s mother is behind a new petition calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to give the same level of protection to the families of people from Scotland who die abroad as is currently in place for people from England by amending the Fatal Accidents and Sudden Deaths Enquiries (Scotland) Act 1976 to require the holding of a fatal accident enquiry when a person from Scotland dies abroad.

“I recently received a letter from Dr Kenneth Faulds, explaining the tragic circumstances of Colin Love’s death, and the resultant complex situation with regard to an inquest under Scottish law,” said Annie Lennox. “I can think of absolutely no reason why anyone would not be in full support of a petition to the Scottish Parliament, and my name will be on the list. I wish Dr Faulds and Colin’s mother, Julie Love, every success with the campaign.”

To find out more about the campaign, visit the website. To sign the petition, click here.

Annie Lennox Unveils Nelson Mandela Charity Stone

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

It’s in our hands to win the fight against HIV/AIDS. This is the message that was set in stone outside the Edinburgh City Chambers earlier this week as Annie Lennox unveiled a memorial to Edinburgh’s lasting connection with Nelson Mandela.

The stone bears the inscription of Mandela’s AIDS charity 46664, along with the engraved handprints of Lennox, a UK ambassador of the charity, and those of Steven, a 15-year-old Edinburgh resident living with HIV. Annie now also fronts her own HIV awareness campaign – Sing, which aims to help the women and children effected by HIV and Aids. Annie founded The SING Campaign, after meeting Mandela for the first time, inspired by his passion for the cause and issues around HIV/Aids in Africa.

The former South African President was given the Freedom of the City of Edinburgh in 1997 and is one of only five people still living bestowed with the honor.

Councillor Jenny Dawe, Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council, said:

“Nelson Mandela has represented world peace for decades and he’s an inspiration to us all. That he now dedicates much of his time to the fight against HIV is further testament to his impassioned belief in the rights of people and we are happy to support the effort to raise awareness of the plight of the 40million people across the globe fighting HIV/AIDS.

“I’m delighted that Ms Lennox has been able to give her time to represent Mr Mandela and that Steven has lent his support to illustrate that while HIV/AIDS is a world issue that we all must be aware of, it also affects people closer to home.”

Annie Lennox said:

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity to create a landmark site in the heart of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, where millions of people visit from around the world. As well as honoring Nelson Mandela, It gives the passer-by an opportunity to pause and reflect upon the significance of the HIV Aids pandemic, which is devastating the lives of millions people across the continent of Africa, and across the entire globe.”

Annie Lennox Talks AIDS At Festival Of Politics

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox took her thoughts about AIDS in Africa to the Scottish parliament earlier this week, when she took part in the Festival of Politics.

The singer was there on behalf of her SING Campaign, which raises money for the Treatment Action Campaign’s work in Africa.

During her speech, Lennox described HIV/AIDS as a “huge pandemic that to be fair, to be honest, governments have not responded to effectively enough”.

She also hit out at the Catholic Church, saying: “Churches can do a tremendous amount, and I know they do, but then again they can do tremendous harm, because when the Pope goes to a country in Africa and tells them that they shouldn’t be using condoms when we know that HIV is a sexually transmitted disease, I don’t think that makes any sense at all.”

It is the fifth time the Festival has taken place, but the first time Lennox has spoken.

“I’m comfortably wealthy, white, educated – I’m one of the lucky ones. I have had good healthcare and my children have good healthcare. I want that for everybody, I want people to have fundamental access to the most basic things. Everybody can do something, I really believe that, that each of us have a sphere of influence, whether it be your friends, your family or workplace, or colleagues. I would really like it if the Scottish Parliament could use me in some way to be the Scottish representative for women and children and HIV.”

Annie Lennox To Talk At Festival Of Politics Next Week

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As reported last month by Look To The Stars, Annie Lennox will talk at the Scottish Festival of Politics next week on behalf of her Sing Campaign.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Annie to Holyrood this summer for our Festival of Politics as there is such a strong interest in her experiences with SING,“ said a Scottish parliament spokeswoman. "Our full program launches on July 6 and we are confident that it will be a successful 5th year where politics meets the people.”

Lennox’s presentation – in which she will talk about her personal experience of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and the action that we can all take in fighting the pandemic – will take place at 1pm in the main chamber of the Scottish Parliament. Tickets are £6, and are available here. The event will also be webcast live via holyrood.tv.

Lenny Kravitz To Headline Peace Day Concert

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Kasabian and Lenny Kravitz have been confirmed to play at a one-off gig at the Paris Le Grand Rex to mark Peace Day next month.

“I’m delighted to support Peace One Day once again to take the message of Peace Day to the people,“ said Kravitz. "Peace One Day is all about uniting the world, and music can drive that message. I’m pleased to be carrying the torch for POD this year.”

The show will take place on September 19 – two days before Peace Day – and will also feature Keziah Jones, Ayo, Olivia Ruiz and Charlie Winston.

“These things are so intense, such hard work, with so much at stake,“ said Jeremy Gilley, founder of Peace Day. "Take last year’s event at the Albert Hall. Introduced by Jude Law, with live performances from Bryan Adams, Peter Gabriel, Annie Lennox and John Legend, with a surprise appearance from Lenny Kravitz, it was pretty mind-blowing but you can imagine how nerve-wracking it was bringing it all together. Underwriting something so big when you are such a small organization is quite a responsibility. Our margins are really tight and, just covering our costs takes an awful lot of hard work. More than anything, we rely on the good will of the artists themselves; their time is so precious and I am eternally grateful to all of them for their unerring support. Standing on the side of the stage watching Annie Lennox singing for Peace One Day was an incredible moment for me.

“With a matter of weeks to go, an awful lot of people are working incredibly hard to pull off an event that exceeds all expectations. An estimated 250 million people around the globe saw last year’s concert. We can’t yet give any details away but let’s just say that we are aiming for something even bigger and better to commemorate our ten-year anniversary. I can feel the insomnia coming on already…

“Our goal is to reach three billion people with the message of peace one day by 2012. It’s not a pipedream, it’s a strategic process, but we all need to get involved.”

For more information and tickets, click here.

Annie Lennox Joins Art For Africa Charity Auction

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Annie Lennox, Tracey Emin and David Bowie are just some of the artists who have donated works for a new auction that aims to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa.

The Africa Foundation is developing the Art for Africa auction, to be held at Sotheby’s on Monday 21 September 2009. For the first time, this auction brings together work from the leading contemporary artists from South Africa and the United Kingdom, in a collaboration to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children in Africa. The auction will be preceded by an exhibition of the work at Sotheby’s in London from 16 – 21 September.

In 2001 Beezy Bailey, a South Africa artist, was motivated by the growing number of children orphaned by the AIDS “tsunami” in Southern Africa to put together an Art for AIDS Orphans Auction to support charities that provide foster parenting to the growing number of AIDS orphans. 80 South African artists opened their hearts contributing to what was the biggest contemporary art auction in South Africa, hosted by Stephan Welz and Sotheby’s. This was followed in 2004 by a second auction at Sotheby’s in Johannesburg. These two auctions combined, raised R2.6 million [£200 000].

As these funds were distributed and invested in the care and well-being of literally hundreds of AIDS Orphans, rather than abandon the children he and so many others have worked so hard to support, Beezy approached his friends, Tara and Jessica Getty, Trustees of Africa Foundation, and asked for their help to bring the concept to London, and to a broader and more international audience.

Through their work with Africa Foundation (a registered charity in United Kingdom), Tara and Jessica were motivated to join forces with Beezy, and Art for Africa was born.

Art for Africa carefully identified and approached leading contemporary artists in the UK and South Africa and asked them to contribute a piece of their work – and in some cases a work created especially for the occasion – for sale, by auction, to raise funds for orphaned and vulnerable children supported by Africa Foundation and joint beneficiary, Ikamva Labantu. The contributing artists showcase both long-established contemporary artists as well as a new generation of award-winning, rising stars.

To find out more about the auction, click here.

Annie Lennox Blogs About South African Violence

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Annie Lennox recently visited South Africa for a concert to raise money for the SING Campaign, and has blogged about the violence between small township residents and police.

Violent protests recently erupted in about 20 South African townships due to a lack of confidence in the Government and to protest the lack of jobs, housing, water, sanitation and electricity.

“If any of you are at all interested in South Africa, then this is a sobering read,“ she wrote, referring to an article in The Guardian. "The issues of endemic/systemic poverty are complex in every way, and yet the fundamental human rights premise is straightforward….Would you let a dog live this way??? When people have nothing to lose, they really do have nothing to lose.

“In a country where so many have so little, and a minority have so much, with “extreme lifestyles” living cheek by jowl… it begs the question of “sustainability”.

“In the days of apartheid, the impoverished classes were reined in and suppressed by force. Now that the post apartheid honeymoon is over, it remains to be seen what will happen.

“But one thing is pretty certain… If those in power do not respond appropriately and effectively, then the parts of the country will most likely implode into a downwards spiral of ( more) violence and dissent.

“The ANC totally need to pull their finger out… and fast! ‘Let us work together”?…. Actions now… come on!!!“

The full blog can be read on Annie Lennox’s official website.

While in South Africa, Lennox also got together with Comic Relief to visit the Mothers 2 Mothers project. The Project was founded by Dr. Mitchell Besser in 2001 and has developed from a single support group in Cape Town to a multinational NGO in just over four years. The project aims to create an effective, sustainable model of care that provides education and support for pregnant women and new mothers living with HIV/AIDS.

To see footage from the visit, click here.

Annie Lennox To Talk AIDS At Festival Of Politics

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Annie Lennox will attend this year’s Festival of Politics in Scotland to present The SING Campaign and speak about the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is probably the greatest health threat faced by the world today. Nowhere is the impact of the disease more pronounced than in Southern Africa, where in countries such as South Africa it is estimated that over 10% of the population is living with HIV and one in three pregnant women carry the virus.

Annie Lennox is internationally renowned as a singer-songwriter but, through her SING project and work with Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation, she has also become a leading activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Join her as she talks about her personal experience of the disease in Africa, and the action that we can all take in fighting the pandemic.

A Scottish parliament spokeswoman said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Annie to Holyrood this summer for our Festival of Politics as there is such a strong interest in her experiences with SING. Our full program launches on July 6 and we are confident that it will be a successful 5th year where politics meets the people.”

The event will be chaired by Alex Fergusson, and will take place on Tuesday 18th August. Tickets will be available soon via: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk or telephone: 0131 473 2000

Celebrities Write Open Letter To G8 Leaders

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of celebrities and dignitaries signed an open letter in Britain’s Daily Telegraph yesterday, urging the G8 to give all people – rich and poor in all countries – the support they need to live decent and dignified lives when they meet for the summit taking place in Italy.

Annie Lennox, Colin Firth, Scarlett Johansson, Angélique Kidjo, Bill Nighy and many others put their names to the letter, which will also appear in the UK’s Financial Times.

“You have a unique opportunity in Italy this year to ensure that all people, in rich countries and poor, are given the support they need to live decent and dignified lives,“ they wrote. "You have taken important steps to this end at previous G8 Summits. In 2001 you acknowledged that industrialized nations had a responsibility to tackle global inequality through deeper debt relief and more aid, and you agreed to establish a Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria. In 2005, you promised to increase annual aid levels to $50bn.

“We ask you now to build on these significant commitments next month at the L’Aquila Summit. Do not retreat from them. We hope one day to read in the history books: “The 2009 G8 Summit in Italy was a turning point in the fight against poverty. World leaders stood strong in the face of an economic crisis. They kept their promises to give more development assistance to poor countries and to fight climate change, and they urged other leaders to do the same.”

“Today, poor people are being forced to shoulder multiple burdens that are not of their making. The economic crisis is hitting their remittances and investment and trade flows. Climate change is harming their harvests, livelihoods, health and safety. High food and commodity prices are worsening a chronic poverty crisis which continues to claim thousands of lives every day.

“You can make health care and education a reality for millions of people if you keep your promise to pay $50 billion in foreign aid. You can improve the lives of millions of people by brokering a safe and fair climate deal to keep global warming below 2°C, by reducing your nations’ emissions and committing at least $150 billion to help developing countries adapt and pursue their own low- carbon futures.

“The money required is small when compared to recent spending on rescuing banks – but the benefits will make the future a better place for all people. Strike a decisive blow against global poverty next month.“

The full letter can be read here.

Annie Lennox Charity Auction In Hong Kong

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Signed items from Annie Lennox will be up for auction in Hong Kong later this month.

Items such as two signed lithographs and a signed Eurythmics box set will be on display at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hotel from the end of June. The venue was the scene of a special concert from the singer in April. The concert marked the first time that Lennox had played in Asia as a solo artist.

Proceeds from the auction will go to The SING Campaign, an initiative Lennox launched in 2007 to raise money for the Treatment Action Campaign, which campaigns for treatment for people with HIV. The charity’s efforts have resulted in many life-saving interventions, including the implementation of country-wide mother-to-child transmission prevention and antiretroviral treatment programs.

To find out more about the SING Campaign and to keep up-to-date with news about the auction in Hong Kong, visit the SING website.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, 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 To Perform Charity Show At Hampton Court

Thu, 28 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Annie Lennox is to perform a special concert next week to raise much needed funds for two charities.

The 3rd annual Raisa Gorbachev Foundation Gala will take place on Saturday, June 6. This year’s gala will be held in a Spiegeltent, in the grounds of Hampton Court with 350 guests. The aim is to raise much needed funds for two charities – The Raisa Gorbachev Foundation and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The money donated through the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation – founded by former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev following the death of his wife Raisa from leukaemia in 1999 – gives hundreds of children suffering from cancer in Russia direct access to the best possible treatment. Marie Curie Nurses provide free nursing care to cancer patients and those with other terminal illnesses in their own homes and also run 10 hospices across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and two centres for palliative care research and the world-renowned Marie Curie Research Institute, which investigates the causes and treatments of cancer.

More information about the event will be available on the Raisa Gorbachev Foundation website

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.

Annie Lennox To SING In Hong Kong

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:00 -0000

The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, together with Sony Music, will be hosting one of the most exciting unplugged charity events of the year – An Evening with Annie Lennox at MO Bar on 28 April 2009.This will be the first time the Academy and multi-Grammy award winning singer/songwriter has performed in Asia as a solo artist.

A world-renowned musician/live performer, Annie Lennox has just released a retrospective collection of her music entitled The Annie Lennox Collection, and will be using this rare occasion to raise awareness for the SING campaign, an initiative Annie established to bring attention to HIV/AIDS in Africa.

To experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Annie Lennox live in the intimate setting of MO Bar at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, guests are required to make a minimum donation of HK$2,000 to the SING Campaign in order to redeem an invite to An Evening with Annie Lennox and a copy of The Annie Lennox Collection CD, courtesy of Sony Music.

In this benefit event for SING, the Annie will perform at least five songs from the rich repertoire of her illustrious career. All sale proceeds will be donated to the SING Campaign.

Doors to the event will open at 7pm and will close at 8pm for the performance. Latecomers will not be allowed in after the performance starts.

For tickets and donations please contact Elsie Leung : eleung@mohg.com.

Click here for more information.

Bill Clinton To Attend AmfAR Gala

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Former US President Bill Clinton is to address the annual amfAR charity gala at the Cannes Film Festival on May 21.

Hosted by Sharon Stone, the Gala is one of the hottest tickets at the Cannes film festival each year, with hundreds of guests traveling to nearby Mougins for an auction dinner held in a giant marquee. This year’s gala will be held for the first time at the Riviera palace, the Eden Roc, at Cap d’Antibes, and will also see Annie Lennox perform.

Last year’s event raised over $10 million for amfAR, an organization dedicated to the support of AIDS research, AIDS prevention, treatment, education and the advocacy of sound AIDS-related public policy. Madonna was guest of honor at the event, and she auctioned off a private concert for $560,000.

The organization’s annual Cinema Against AIDS gala has been an important and successful fund-raising event for the Foundation since 1993, generating more than $44 million for essential AIDS research. Past events have been hosted by Dame Elizabeth Taylor, Sharon Stone, Demi Moore, and Sir Elton John.

Annie Lennox Supports Bottletop Initiative

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox is one of a group of stars who supports a charity initiative that funds projects that have a positive impact on the health and well-being of young people world-wide.

Bottletop raises funds through fashion and music, focusing on helping small, dynamic education initiatives, with a particular emphasis on sexual and reproductive health education. One of these fundraising initatives is a beautiful ring pull bag crafted by 24 people in Salvador. Each bag is handmade by linking hundreds of recycled ring pulls together in a crochet formation.

“When I first saw the bags I was really blown away by them,” said Lennox. “At first glance you don’t realise what they’re made from… they just look beautiful and eye catching. I love the fact that they are not only created from recycling , but they are creating a source of skillful self sufficiency within communities.”

Set up in 2002 by Cameron Saul, Bottletop has garnered the support of celebrities such as Bill Clinton, Paris Hilton, Bob Geldof, Peaches Geldof, Angélique Kidjo, Youssou N’Dour and many more.

To purchase one of the ring pull bags – or even a ring pull belt – and help the communities that make them, click here. For more information about Bottletop, visit their website.

Celebrities Paint Masks For African Education

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Twenty of the biggest celebrities from music, film, sport and business have painted face masks for a new charity auction on eBay.

The auction is raising money for Education Africa, an organization established in 1992 to assist disadvantaged South Africans in their quest to obtain a quality, relevant education in order to ensure that they are in a position to become global citizens and a competitive force in the local job market.

Up for grabs in the auction are masks decorated by Paris Hilton, Bob Geldof, Stefi Graf, Andre Agassi, Lily Cole, Amanda Holden, Annie Lennox, Piers Morgan, Jude Law, Simon Cowell, Melanie Brown, Lewis Hamilton and many more. The masks will be on display at the chaity’s annual gala dinner to be held at the May Fair Hotel in London on March 31st 2009.

“We have all been overwhelmed by the generous response of so many celebrities to our unique campaign,” chairperson Jania Geoghegan said.

To view the masks and make a bid, visit the eBay site before April 5.

Red Nose Day TV Special Breaks Records

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

BBC’s Red Nose Day television extravaganza, Funny For Money, raised over £57 million (US$80 million) on Friday night, breaking the previous record of £40 million set in 2007.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money aired on March 13 on BBC One and Two and featured comedy items performed by Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumley, Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Ronnie Corbett, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss.

A special version of Top Of The Pops featuring performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis – as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, Islands In The Stream – also aired as part of the extravaganza. The Islands In The Stream single has just topped the UK charts, which will bring in more cash for the cause.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s – which sold the official Comic Relief merchandise – handed over a cheque for over £9 million to the show’s presenters during the evening, the single largest donation ever made in the event’s 11 year history. Another £20 million as donations keep coming in.

Celebrity Kilimanjaro climbers Alesha Dixon, Ben Shephard, Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles, Denise Van Outen, Fearne Cotton, Gary Barlow, Kimberley Walsh and Ronan Keating also made an appearance, and it was revealed that their efforts had raised £3,326,142 for Comic Relief.

‘It is just incredible to see such a huge amount of money given by the public again on Red Nose Day," said Comic Relief co-founder Richard Curtis. "Red Nose Day is 21 years old this year and its success is down to the unrelenting support and ingenuity of our supporters – it belongs not to the comedians, but to the people who give. It’s wonderful that, in more difficult times, people seem to understand that the need increases for people whose lives were impossibly tough in the first place. The work this money funds helps change and save lives all over Africa and the United Kingdom. A huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has helped to make this year’s Red Nose Day such a memorable and brilliant campaign.”

The evening also featured appearances from Annie Lennox and Take That.

Red Nose Day TV Special To Tickle BBC Funny Bones

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Today, March 13, is Red Nose Day in Britain – the major fundraising event of the year for Comic Relief. And to celebrate, celebrities young and old will appear in a TV extravaganza being screened tonight on BBC One and Two.

Presented by David Tennant, Davina McCall, Alan Carr, Jonathan Ross and others, Funny For Money will feature the last ever French & Saunders film parody – a version of Mamma Mia! performed by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders – plus comedy items performed by Robbie Williams, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Ricky Gervais, Harry Enfield, Peter Crouch, David Beckham, Sadie Frost, and Kate Moss. There will also be an appearance from Annie Lennox.

As part of the show, Comic Relief will also present a special version of Top Of The Pops that will feature performances by U2, James Morrison and Oasis, as well as Tom Jones and Rob Brydon singing the official Comic Relief single, (Barry) Islands In The Stream.

The show will also a special appearance by the celebrity climbers who scaled Mount Kilimanjaro last week. The group – including Take That’s Gary Barlow, Ronan Keating, Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh, Cheryl Cole, singer Alesha Dixon, television presenters Fearne Cotton and Ben Shephard, West-End star Denise Van Outen and radio DJ Chris Moyles – reached the summit of the 19,300ft (5,900m) peak as dawn broke on Saturday, March 7. They featured in their own BBC One documentary last night, and also met with British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has pledged £2 million to the charity.

“It has been a privilege for the whole team to meet the Prime Minister … and under such special circumstances,“ said Barlow. “To think that our efforts on the mountain and the incredible generosity of the public have inspired school children and have now been supported by the Government is unbelievable. If the money raised can help control malaria and also help poor and vulnerable people in the UK, it will all have been worthwhile. What an unforgettable day.”

The Funny For Money TV special runs from 7pm to 1:30am. Viewers will have the chance to pledge money to go towards helping people in the UK overcome poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence and other issues, and people in Africa affected by AIDS, malaria, conflict and more.

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.

Celebrities Donate Songs And Money To Australian Fire Victims

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The humanitarian spirit of the stars is shining out in the wake of the Australian bushfires that killed over 200 people and left thousands homeless. Pink and Jimmy Barnes are the latest celebrities to donate to the victims, and a new CD featuring some of Australia’s favorite performers has been released to raise funds.

“I’ve been really affected by the media images of the tragic bushfires in Victoria,” said Pink. “My heart goes out to all those who have suffered so much in these circumstances. There’s little anyone can do at such a long distance away but I wanted to make a tangible expression of support.”

The star has donated $250,000 to the appeal and hopes the money will help in the “rebuilding of lives and communities in the areas affected”.

Australian singer Jimmy Barnes has announced he will donate all the proceeds from sales of his new live album, Jimmy Barnes Live At The Enmore, to the appeal.

“Importantly, the people who buy this album can rest assured that every single cent from the purchase of it will go to the bushfire appeal,” said Barnes. “It’s a good buy for all involved. Not only are music fans getting a bargain, but were all in this together for an extremely important cause.”

The album is available for $3.39 on iTunes.

Also released to raise funds for victims is Bushfire Aid – Artists For The Bushfire Appeal, a CD featuring performers from Australia and the world.

Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go to The Salvation Army Bushfire Appeal through the charitable arm of the Australian Sony Group of Companies, The Sony Foundation. Artists to donate songs include Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Beyoncé Knowles, Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Dido, Midnight Oil, Vanessa Amorosi, John Williamson, Eurythmics, Delta Goodrem, Westlife, Paul Kelly, Anthony Callea and many more.

“Sony Music Australia is privileged to support the Victorian Bushfire Appeal through this special CD,” said Denis Handlin Chairman & CEO, Australia & New Zealand, Sony Music Entertainment. “Our thanks go to all of the artists and songwriters for generously donating their tracks royalty free. We also thank Sony DADC Australia for kindly donating the CD manufacturing. I know everyone in Australia shares deep concern for this tragedy, its horrific toll on life, families, communities and wildlife. On behalf of Sony Music and the Sony Foundation, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected, and our immense gratitude goes to all the emergency service people and volunteers who have so generously given in this time of need.”

The album is in stores in Australia now, and more info can be found by clicking here.

Stars Speak Out About Gaza In New Video

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A group of British stars have appeared in a new video produced by Amnesty International, speaking out against the bloodshed and violence in Gaza.

Annie Lennox, Thandie Newton, former Monty Python star Terry Jones, comedian Alexei Sayle, filmmaker Mike Figgis, designer Katharine Hamnett and The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button actor Jason Flemyng all voice their support for Amnesty’s ongoing efforts to secure justice for both Palestinians and Israelis and make an impassioned call for Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza in the video.

“Right now – this very minute – innocent people like you and me, children like mine and yours, are victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza,” said Thandie Newton in the film. “I want the UK government ready to initiate criminal investigations and carry out prosecutions in their own courts.”

“We’ve had a ceasefire in Gaza, a tentative ceasefire, and we now have the opportunity to get access to over 200,000 civilians who have no access to facilities,” adds Annie Lennox. “Their homes have been pulverized, they have no running water, they have no proper access to medicines, to fuel, to foods. They are desperately and urgently in need of these things and it is essential that the international aid agencies get access to the Gazan people now… In a situation like this, there are no victories. Only victims. What’s important is that we try to find a path to peace.”

More than 1,300 Palestinians died during the Israeli military offensive in December and January, but hundreds of thousands remain in desperate need of aid. It is a very real and heartbreaking humanitarian crisis. Amnesty International UK director Kate Allen hopes the film will encourage people to speak out against the war crimes and pressure the British government to make a stand.

“There’s almost a conspiracy of silence over war crimes in Gaza that’s totally unacceptable,” she said. “Speaking out is one way of trying to stop this horrible cycle of violence beginning all over again.”

Benjamin Button star Jason Flemying also appears in the video.

“This humanitarian crisis is not the result of a natural disaster,” he says in the film. “It is entirely manmade, as the result of extremely stringent Israeli blockades and international sanctions. Over 80% of the population of Gaza now relies on international aid. That compares with 10% a decade ago. The blockade guarantees bloodshed and violence.”

To view the film and learn more about the conflict and how you can help, visit the Amnesty International website.

Annie Lennox Answers Letter About Gaza Violence

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Singer Annie Lennox has responded to an open letter published in the Jerusalem Post that has accused her of being anti-Israel in her recent peace protests over the current violence in Gaza.

“I am for peace,” wrote the singer, who has come under criticism over her stand over the carnage. “After reading [the letter], I felt despair and anguish at the manner in which the awful war in Gaza is being used to divide the rest of the world between “pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian‚” instead of “pro-peace‚ or pro-war.”

“In my mind, the only distinction that matters right now, as Palestinian and Israeli lives are being lost and endangered by this violent conflict, is whether you support war or peace. I join hands with other humanitarians who support peace.

“I work for peace so that children on both sides of the Gaza-Israel border can be free from rocket and missile attacks. I hope for peace so that these children can know one another, learn from one another, appreciate each other, and maybe, some day in the future, love each other.

“From my perspective, peace and security come with dialogue, not bullets and bombs, and therefore I make no apology for being a leading member of the voice of reason, in opposition to this senseless war. My position is supported by a cross-spectrum of communities in Britain, including my Jewish and Israeli friends.

“I too have friends and family in Israel, and want to see them safe and secure, in the same way that I want human rights protection for the citizens of Gaza. I am not opposed to Israel, and I do not support Palestinians. I support an end to the war on Gaza.

“This is just the first, necessary step. We must then, all of us, campaign for peace negotiations that meet the needs of both parties.“

The original open letter can be read here, and Lennox’s unabridged reply can be read here.

Annie Lennox Fires Back Over Human Rights Criticisms

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox has continued her protests over the terrible and horrific violence currently underway in Gaza by releasing a new statement explaining her actions.

“I have made my position very clear. I do not believe that there is a military solution to the situation in Gaza. I support peaceful conflict resolution, and dialogue, which HAS to take place inevitably in order to resolve the situation in any case. I do not believe that the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians will solve anything. It will only make things worse for everyone, on BOTH sides. I am posting a video from the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency in Gaza, who is saying EXACTLY what I have said consistently.

“There has to be an absolute cease fire as soon as possible. The reason why I spoke out when I did was because at that point in time there was a tiny window of opportunity to prevent a blood bath on both sides BEFORE the ground troops went in.

“I have NEVER condoned suicide bombings, or the firing of missiles into Israel. I repeat… The slaughter of innocent lives on BOTH sides is abhorrent. I am not “anti Israeli”, nor have I EVER been, and for anyone to say that I am is profoundly offensive and completely wrong.”

The singer was criticized for her statements earlier this week – in which she called for an end to the carnage – and her participation in last weekend’s peace rally in London.

“It’s a question of human rights, human values that goes beyond Jewish, Muslim, nothing to do with any of that.“

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