Look To The Stars News: Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox Writes For Reproductive Rights

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:15:00 +0000

Following Annie Lennox's visit to Malawi and the “Make It Happen” petition, trust.org have published an article written by the singer and activist discussing the issue of reproductive rights.

“Every day 800 women and girls lose their lives in childbirth or during pregnancy,” wrote Annie. "To feel the true weight of what this means, we have only to look back to past generations of our own families, or draw on the pain each of us feels at the loss of someone we love.

“Next month, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and their fellow members of a UN task force will present a report to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon that could mean life or death for thousands of women in the developing world.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/10086-annie-lennox-writes-for-reproductive-rights

Annie Lennox And Colin Firth Raid Their Closets For Charity

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:45:00 +0000

Celebrities across the UK have been raiding their wardrobes and homes to help raise money for charity mothers2mothers (m2m).

Stars including Annie Lennox, Colin Firth, Livia Firth, Emma Bunton and Mollie King have donated to an eBay auction which will raise funds for the charity’s vital work in sub-Saharan Africa, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9855-annie-lennox-and-colin-firth-raid-their-closets-for-charity

Stars Celebrate End Of Cosmetics Testing On Animals In Europe

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 19:10:00 +0000

Cruelty Free International, the global non-profit organization dedicated to ending cosmetics testing on animals worldwide, has been joined by celebrities Chrissie Hynde, Twiggy, Jenny Seagrove, Kimberly Wyatt and Joanna Lumley, to celebrate the end of cosmetics testing on animals in Europe.

“Cruelty-free beauty is here in the EU at last!” said Joanna Lumley. “I have been calling for this day with Cruelty Free International (BUAV) since 1991. Well done Cruelty Free International for your tireless work in the EU to end the terrible practice of testing cosmetics on animals.”

The final phase of the 7th amendment of the EU Cosmetics Directive, which is set to come into force on 11th March 2013, will mean that new cosmetic products and ingredients on sale in the EU will not be tested on animals anywhere in the world. The ban will affect all cosmetics including all toiletries and beauty products, from soap to toothpaste. This historic achievement is the culmination of over 20 years of campaigning spearheaded by the BUAV, founder of Cruelty Free International.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9822-stars-celebrate-end-of-cosmetics-testing-on-animals-in-europe

Annie Lennox Issues Call Of Action Over Violence Towards Women In South Africa

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has issued a call to action, in response to the epidemic of violence that has been taking place against women and girls in South Africa for years.

The petition implores South African media, key government officials, and religious leaders to make a commitment of personal and professional responsibility, in order to ensure that the issue of gender-based violence is never marginalized again.

Signatories include The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory (Nelson Mandela Foundation), Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, Medecins Sans Frontiers, Treatment Action Campaign, Amnesty International South Africa and CTAOP (Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project)

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9789-annie-lennox-issues-call-of-action-over-violence-towards-women-in-south-africa

Stars Donate To Jumble Sale For Oxfam

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 15:30:00 +0000

The Music Circle is organizing a charity jumble sale in association with Oxfam on January 26, with celebrity donations from Paloma Faith, Tinie Tempah, Dermot O'Leary, Fearne Cotton, Marilyn Manson, Charlotte Church and many more.

The sale is in aid of abused women in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in tandem with Oxfam’s Get Together for International Women’s Day on 8 March 2013, and will be held at east London’s Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club.

There’ll be a pop-up retro hair salon from Lipstick & Curls to give you instant Victory rolls, a stylists’ corner and photobooth featuring some surprises familiar faces, hyper ping-pong action from the mighty Pongathon crew, food from Gizzi Erskine, tea and cakes from Joe’s Tea Co and Drink, Shop & Do and DJs including Gizzi, Jen Long (Radio 1), My Ex Boyfriend’s Records and more all day long.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9584-stars-donate-to-jumble-sale-for-oxfam

Annie Lennox Blogs About Malawi Trip

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 14:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox was in Malawi last week to support President Banda’s Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood, and to promote the need for increased funding from donor nations for reproductive health services for Malawi and other countries in the developing world.

“I’ve just returned from a trip to Malawi, where I joined with a special delegation of members of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health (GLCRH), including former Irish President Mary Robinson, former Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Minister of Health for Botswana Joy Phumaphi, President and CEO of the Global Fund for Women Musimbi Kanyoro," she blogged on her official website. "In Malawi, 675 out of every 100,000 women die in childbirth, or from pregnancy related problems. 90% of those problems are considered preventable, yet despite the desperate need in Malawi and other countries in Africa, parts of Asia and Latin America, millions of women continue to lack access to basic reproductive health services. One out of four women in Malawi still cannot obtain contraception, a problem which contributes to the high maternal mortality rate.

“The country’s population has surged from 3 million in 1950, to 15 million in 2010. With 46% of the population under the age of 15, family planning is additionally viewed as a critical component in efforts to deal with the effect of population growth on food security. President Joyce Banda and her administration are committed to family planning as an essential health service, and she is reaching out to women in rural areas, working at village level to convince men and influential elders that by improving maternal health, reproductive services ultimately contributes to stronger, and more stable families and communities.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9553-annie-lennox-blogs-about-malawi-trip

Annie Lennox Joins Mary Robinson In Malawi

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Malawi this week welcomed high-level members of the Global Leaders Council for Reproductive Health (GLC) to Lilongwe, at the invitation of Her Excellency Mrs. Joyce Banda, also a member of the group of former presidents, global health leaders, and philanthropists who are dedicated to advocating at the highest political levels for women’s rights to reproductive health and family planning services.

The delegation is led by former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, chair of the GLC, brought six members of the group to Malawi to support President Banda’s Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood, and to promote the need for increased funding from donor nations for reproductive health services for Malawi and other countries in the developing world.

“We are here to celebrate Malawi’s embrace of reproductive health for women, and their right to choose when they have their children and how many to have,” said Peggy Clark, Director of the GLC Secretariat at the Aspen Institute in Washington, DC. “We honor President Banda’s commitment to using these vital strategies to help bring down the terrible rate of maternal mortality that she has vowed to overcome.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9540-annie-lennox-joins-mary-robinson-in-malawi

Keep A Child Alive Black Ball REDUX Raises $2.9 Million

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 15:30:00 +0000

Keep A Child Alive CEO Peter Twyman has announced that the Black Ball REDUX, held last week at “Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater,” raised over $2.9 million – funds that will go to providing lifesaving HIV treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India.

The event honored the incomparable Oprah Winfrey and Grammy Award-winning Beninoise singer-songwriter and activist Angelique Kidjo for their philanthropic contributions in Africa and worldwide and was emceed by Whoopi Goldberg.

With performances by Alicia Keys, Angelique Kidjo, Bonnie Raitt, Jennifer Hudson and Brittany Howard of the band Alabama Shakes, the event evoked the dynamism of Modern Africa, paying tribute to the empowerment of women and the promise of an AIDS-free Africa.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9408-keep-a-child-alive-black-ball-redux-raises-29-million

Annie Lennox Fronts Charity Christmas Appeal

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox is fronting this year’s Nordoff Robbins Christmas Appeal.

“This Christmas, Nordoff Robbins is raising money so that it can provide more music therapy sessions for those who unlike you and I, struggle every day to make themselves heard and to communicate their hopes, feelings and fears,” she said. "Please take two minutes of your time to look at this inspirational film that I have made with Nordoff Robbins to see some of the life changing work that they do.

“Please donate as much as you possibly can to help Nordoff Robbins provide more life changing music therapy sessions for those that need it the most over this festive season.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9407-annie-lennox-fronts-charity-christmas-appeal

Annie Lennox Performs In Italy For Women's Circle Event

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Annie Lennox performed live at The Ice Palace in Milan during the Women’s Circle 2012 fundraising event on November 22.

The funds raised will be used to strengthen the commitment of Oxfam Italy in the fight against poverty and the promotion of women’s rights.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9336-annie-lennox-performs-in-italy-for-womens-circle-event

Hear The World Sets Guinness World Record With Celebrity Charity Photos

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:45:00 +0000

Hear The World has set a new Guinness World Records title.

The Hear the World Foundation has been recognized for staging the world’s largest photographic awareness campaign

The Hear the World Foundation raises public awareness about the importance of hearing and the consequences of hearing loss, as well as providing support for those affected. As part of this mission numerous celebrities have had their pictures taken by photographer Bryan Adams, each depicted with one hand behind the ear in Hear the World’s distinctive pose symbolizing conscious hearing.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9340-hear-the-world-sets-guinness-world-record-with-celebrity-charity-photos

Annie Lennox To Take Part In Google+ Hangout For World AIDS Day

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +0000

In the lead up to World AIDS Day 2012, three passionate advocates for an HIV-free generation will come together in UNAIDS' first Google+ Hangout to talk about how the world is moving towards zero new HIV infections among children by 2015 and keeping their mothers alive.

On 27 November at 2:30 pm GMT (London), 9:30 am ET (New York), Annie Lennox, UNAIDS International Goodwill Ambassador, Michel Sidibé, UNAIDS Executive Director, and Florence Ngobeni, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Ambassador, will share their insight on the global effort to end new HIV infections among children in the next 1000 days.

The Hangout will be broadcast live on UNAIDS’ Google+ page.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9329-annie-lennox-to-take-part-in-google-hangout-for-world-aids-day

Annie Lennox Backs London's Mayor For World AIDS Day

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 14:30:00 +0000

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson is backing a major HIV testing campaign in the run up to World AIDS Day on 1 December.

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust, which marks its 30th anniversary with a reception at City Hall on 19th November, has launched England’s first ever National HIV Testing Week. The week runs from 23-30 November and aims to increase testing among the most at risk populations, gay men and Africans in particular.

The Mayor said: ‘London is home to almost half of all people living with HIV in the UK, but a quarter of them are unaware they carry the virus. It is vital that people who might be at risk get tested, not only to reduce the risk of transmission to others, but to ensure they get the life-saving treatments that are available.’   

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9299-annie-lennox-backs-londons-mayor-for-world-aids-day

Annie Lennox Performs At Hope Rising Event

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Rousing performances and spellbinding speeches dominated the sold-out Roy Thompson Hall at the second annual Hope Rising event last week, benefiting the Stephen Lewis Foundation and hosted by CBC’s Jian Ghomeshi.

Grammy award winners Angélique Kidjo, Sarah McLachlan and Annie Lennox poured their hearts into stellar solo sets, topping it off with a jam-packed joint finale of two Eurythmics classics, Sweet Dreams and Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves.

Annie Lennox’s soaring vocals and personal stories of being moved to do something to help subdue the ravages of HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa had the audience rapt in their seats.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9250-annie-lennox-performs-at-hope-rising-event

Celebrities Donate Woolly Hats To Charity Auction

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 15:30:00 +0000

A Skyfall cast and crew cap, signed by Daniel Craig, is among the celebrity lots up for auction in aid of St Mungo’s Woolly Hat Day on Friday 26 October.

Homelessness charity St Mungo’s is offering people the chance to own the hats of some of the world’s most famous faces in film, music and sport via an online auction from Friday 19 to Sunday 28 October.

The star lot is a cast and crew baseball cap donated and signed by Daniel Craig from the new Bond film Skyfall, which is released on the same day as St Mungo’s Woolly Hat Day, Friday 26 October.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/9141-celebrities-donate-woolly-hats-to-charity-auction

Annie Lennox To Perform At UNHCR Nansen Refugee Awards

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 16:30:00 +0000

British singer/songwriter, campaigner and activist, Annie Lennox, OBE, will perform at this year’s Nansen Refugee Award ceremony in Geneva on October 1, the UNHCR announced on Monday.

The UN refugee agency, which has presented the annual award since 1954, said the line-up would also include performances by classical singer and UNHCR Honorary Lifetime Goodwill Ambassador Barbara Hendricks and popular Swiss musician Bastian Baker.

A UNHCR press release added that 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Leymah Gbowee from Liberia, is also confirmed to attend the award ceremony, which will pay tribute to this year’s Nansen winner. The award is given annually to an individual or organization in recognition of extraordinary and dedicated service to refugees.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8883-annie-lennox-to-perform-at-unhcr-nansen-refugee-awards

Annie Lennox To Perform At Hope Rising Benefit Event

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 16:30:00 +0000

This fall, legendary singer-songwriter, philanthropist and political activist Annie Lennox will headline the second annual Hope Rising! A Benefit Concert for the Stephen Lewis Foundation presented by CIBC alongside Grammy Award-winning recording artist Angelique Kidjo.

This epic evening of music and celebration takes place at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto on Wednesday, November 7 at 8:30 p.m. Again hosted by award-winning host of CBC’s ‘Q’ Jian Ghomeshi, this year’s benefit concert shines a celebratory spotlight on the pivotal role and power of African women as they overcome tremendous adversity and turn the tide of AIDS in Africa.

“As a passionate AIDS activist, I’m delighted to be performing at Hope Rising!. I share the conviction of the Stephen Lewis Foundation that community-based organizations in Africa, and particularly the women who are at the heart of the grassroots response, are playing a critical role in turning the tide of AIDS,” said Lennox. “I look forward to sharing the evening with African grandmothers, Angelique, Stephen, and other friends to shine a celebratory spotlight on the powerful work being done in Africa, and the powerful message of hope it brings all of us!”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8784-annie-lennox-to-perform-at-hope-rising-benefit-event

Annie Lennox Speaks At International AIDS Conference

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox spoke at a Parliamentary Meeting as part of the 19th International AIDS Conference on Monday, July 23.

“I’d like to share the story with you as to how I became an AIDS campaigner and activist,” she said. "In November of 2003 I was invited to take part in a special concert held in Cape Town South Africa, to launch Nelson Mandela's HIV Foundation, 46664.

“The day after the concert, all the artists were asked to join Mandela for an international press conference held in Robben Island, the place of his incarceration for the most part of 27 years.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8705-annie-lennox-speaks-at-international-aids-conference

Stars Perform Prior To International AIDS Conference

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 12:15:00 +0000

On the eve of the opening of the historic International AIDS Conference, a stellar cast of artists, political leaders, and community activists came to Washington, D.C. to mark more than three decades of the global response to the HIV epidemic.

The event, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, united some of the leading voices in the global effort to achieve an AIDS-free generation. Participants included Bill Gates, Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Joan Osborne, Patti Austin, Herbie Hancock, bipartisan members of Congress, and prominent AIDS advocates from the worlds of business, science, and civil society.

Uniting for an AIDS-free generation—the theme of the event—took the audience on a historical journey through the history of AIDS, highlighting the early days of the epidemic and key milestones in the world’s response to the disease. Through music and personal anecdotes, guests shared experiences of how HIV has shaped society and brought forward a global movement never before witnessed for a disease.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8697-stars-perform-prior-to-international-aids-conference

Annie And Tali Lennox Attend Family Planning Summit

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:30:00 +0000

Last week, Annie and Tali Lennox attended the opening of The London Summit on Family Planning.

Melinda French Gates, co-chair and trustee of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The London Summit on Family Planning

The London Summit on Family Planning, co-hosted by the UK Government’s Department for International Development and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was an unprecedented effort that showcased innovative partnerships and leadership at the country level, empowering women to reach their full potential. The Summit underscored the importance of access to contraceptives as both a right and a transformational health and development priority.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8663-annie-and-tali-lennox-attend-family-planning-summit

Stars Unite Over Arms Trade

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 20:10:00 +0000

International artists including Keira Knightley, Yoko Ono, Scarlett Johansson, Coldplay, Tim Roth, Annie Lennox and Kevin Spacey have joined forces to demand governments take immediate action to help improve regulation of the international arms trade.

Later today, representatives from more than 190 governments meet in New York for the first day of a month-long negotiation at the United Nations to agree an Arms Trade Treaty, which will control the supply of weapons, ammunition and armaments.

An effective Arms Trade Treaty would be based on a “Golden Rule”: if there is a substantial risk that arms exported to another country are likely to be used for serious human rights abuses; violations of international humanitarian law; or to undermine sustainable development, those arms supplies must be stopped.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8592-stars-unite-over-arms-trade

Stars launch Save the Arctic campaign

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:15:00 +0000

Stars from the worlds of music, film, TV and business yesterday launched a campaign to save the Arctic.

Sir Paul McCartney, Penelope Cruz, Robert Redford, Onew Direction, Alexandra Burke, Jarvis Cocker and Sir Richard Branson are among dozens of famous names who are asking for a global sanctuary in the Arctic. They have joined forces with Greenpeace to demand that oil drilling and unsustainable fishing are banned in Arctic waters.

Others demanding that the uninhabited area around the North Pole is legally protected and made off-limits to polluters include Edward Norton, Woody Harrelson, Jude Law, John Hurt, Rita Ora, Thom Yorke, Tim Roth, Thandie Newton, Bruce Parry, Lawrence Dallaglio and Cilla Black. (Full list below.)

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8551-stars-launch-save-the-arctic-campaign

Stars Donate Garden Tools To Christian Aid Charity Auction

Wed, 16 May 2012 13:15:00 +0000

Tali Lennox, Alan Titchmarsh and TOWIE’s Lydia Bright are among a host of famous names who have used their creative talents to support this year’s Christian Aid Week.

Tali Lennox and watering can
Credit/Copyright: Harriet Fitzgerald (Harriet.Fitzgerald@kindredagency.com)

Over 15 stars have customized gardening tools, which will be displayed in a Soho pop-up shop from 14 – 19 May and auctioned at www.ebay.co.uk/christianaid.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8373-stars-donate-garden-tools-to-christian-aid-charity-auction

Tali Lennox Visits Sierra Leone With Christian Aid

Mon, 14 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Award-winning model Tali Lennox recently visited Sierra Leone, one of the world’s poorest countries, as a Christian Aid Week (13-19 May) ambassador. Around half of all Sierra Leoneans are forced to try to survive on the equivalent of just 80p a day, with more than half the country’s population relying on subsistence farming for their income.

Tali Lennox in Sierra Leone
Credit/Copyright: Christian Aid/ Lee Thompson

“I have grown up around charity work with my mum," says Tali. “But the invitation to Sierra Leone was not only an opportunity for an adventure, but also for some perspective on how things are for people here. It’s very different from the life I lead as a model.”

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8362-tali-lennox-visits-sierra-leone-with-christian-aid

Annie Lennox To Talk AIDS At Scottish Parliament

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Annie Lennox will return to the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday March 14 as part of Commonwealth Day events taking place on the day. Annie will address an audience on the Global Plan and the exciting development of the UNAIDS targets, particularly in relation to Preventing Mother-To-Child Transmission of HIV.

Lennox will be speaking in her capacity as Special Envoy of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Scotland branch. Earlier in the day a Members’ Debate will also take place. The theme for Commonwealth Day 2012 is ‘Connecting Cultures’.

“Commonwealth Day is an opportunity for the Scottish Parliament to focus beyond our borders and draw attention to the connections that we have made across the globe,” said Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer, Tricia Marwick MSP. "In celebrating Commonwealth Day, the Scottish Parliament also celebrates the role of democracy, seeking to advance knowledge and understanding of democratic principles through its participation.

More: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8014-annie-lennox-to-talk-aids-at-scottish-parliament