Look To The Stars News: Richard Branson

Richard Branson Reflects On Antarctic Visit: Occupy World Street

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:00 +0000

Richard Branson has reflected on his trip to Antarctica, with his son Sam suggesting the need for an “Occupy World Street” movement.

Al Gore and Branson have been in the frozen continent during the last week to view first-hand the effects of climate change, and have been blogging about what they have witnessed.

“The global community has proven it can tackle threats like acid rain, CFCs, and detecting the whales. Why not climate change?,” blogged Branson. "The problem with climate change is that the vested interest has such huge financial resources that it is difficult to get the public (particularly in America) to see behind such huge propaganda.

Al Gore And Richard Branson Blog Climate Change From Antarctica

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:15:00 +0000

Al Gore and Richard Branson continued their fact-finding mission to Antarctica yesterday by visiting the Weddell Sea.

The pair are on the frozen continent to witness first-hand the effects of climate change, with Gore comparing what he finds with what he saw when he last visited Antarctica 22 years ago.

“Like the rest of the Southern Ocean, the body of water that surrounds Antarctica, [the Weddell Sea] is home to diverse ecosystems that are filled with unique and astonishing wildlife,” blogged Gore. "And like oceans everywhere, the impacts of climate change are becoming more apparent.

Al Gore And Richard Branson Witness Climate Change In Antarctica

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:05:00 +0000

Al Gore and Richard Branson are currently en route to Antarctica to witness first-hand the effects of climate change.

The trip – organized by Gore’s Climate Reality Project – sees the former Vice President return to the continent for the first time in 22 years.

“The Antarctic Peninsula, which juts northward toward South America, is lined with ice-covered mountains and surrounded by abundant wildlife in the sea,” he blogged. "But even on this continent that looks and feels pristine, a troubling process is underway because of global warming.

Download To Do Good With Virgin Unite

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, has joined other leading charities to partner with Fairsharemusic.com, the music download store where the music you buy really does make a difference.

With over 16 million tracks, the hottest new releases and prices starting at 79p per track, Fairsharemusic is not dissimilar from other popular music sites – except that for every download you purchase, it donates half the profit to your chosen charity. The more you download, the more money goes to charity of your choice.

Lee Cannon, Co-founder of Fairsharemusic.com said “We’re delighted to partner with Virgin Unite. At Fairsharemusic.com we’ve make it simple for people to give directly to a cause through something they’re passionate about – you download, we donate. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, so why not use it to improve the lives of others.”

Richard Branson Helps Bring Hearing Aids To Africa

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Starkey Hearing Foundation, which strives to change the social consciousness of hearing and hearing health care, wrapped up its first-ever hearing mission in Bushridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa last week with the help of Sir Richard Branson and his not for profit organization, Virgin Unite.

Sir Richard Branson observes as Bill Austin, Founder, Starkey Hearing Foundation, and his team of audiologists fit patients with hearing devices during the Foundation’s first-ever hearing mission in Bushridge, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Richard Branson's Charity To Distribute 100,000 Condoms In South Africa

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Richard Branson’s Virgin Unite will help people in the fight against the spread of HIV AIDS this week by distributing 100,000 free condoms to the Bhubezi and Ndlovu Clinics in the Bushbuckridge area in the Mpumalanga province in South Africa, one of the most impoverished rural areas of South African, where an estimated 20% of the 500,000 people in the community are HIV positive.

The activity sees Virgin Unite, the not for profit foundation of the Virgin Group, take further direct action to tackle the spread of HIV where it matters most and is thanks to their partnership with The One Brand who donated the condoms to the Virgin Unite who will now distribute them.

LTTS Book Review: Philanthrocapitalism

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:40:00 +0000

For anyone interested in the charity work of the rich and the famous, Philanthrocapitalism by Matthew Bishop and Michael Green is – in the words of Bill Clinton – “an important book.”

With a foreword by Clinton and featuring interviews with the movers and shakers of the charity world – including Bono, Bill Gates, Angelina Jolie and Richard Branson – Philanthrocapitalism is a highly readable and thoroughly researched study of who is doing what to tackle the big issues facing humanity today. It gives in-depth accounts of where the world’s wealthiest entrepreneurs and business leaders are spending their money and exactly what effect their efforts are having – both negative and positive. Even the most skeptical reader will get an insight into how money is being used to bring new solutions to age-old problems.

Bishop and Green give a well-rounded and in-depth view of the changing face of philanthropy in today’s world, detailing the history of charity to the dark ages and beyond. Their research studies the reasons behind the giving of Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Ted Turner and their super-rich friends, and the effects they have on their chosen causes. In the process, it shows how the fame and status of big names such as Bono and Angelina Jolie play a useful part in making the world a better place – as Angelina says, “people take my calls.” This book shows us exactly how giving can save the world.

Mary J. Blige To Headline Richard Branson's Rock The Kasbah

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 15:15:00 +0000

Richard Branson will join his mother, Eve Branson, as host of the fifth annual Rock The Kasbah charity event to benefit Virgin Unite and The Eve Branson Foundation on November 16.

This incredible evening of music, food, auction items and more features The Pussycat Dolls, O.A.R. and DJ Chris Holmes, as well as Mary J. Blige performing selections from her new album!

The focus is on building opportunity for youth: In the USA, Virgin Unite is providing opportunities for youth facing unprecedented unemployment, while The Eve Branson Foundation is empowering young women in Moroccan villages. Business, once again, is a force for good at Rock the Kasbah 2011.

Bid On The Chance To Live Like Richard Branson For Charity

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Take the winter getaway of a lifetime with a South African adventure developed by Sir Richard Branson.

  You are invited on a one-of-a-kind journey, first to take in the wildlife at a private game reserve with Sir Richard himself, then to connect with young entrepreneurs who are transforming their country from within, thanks to his help. The four-night trip includes round-trip transportation, two nights at Ulusaba, Branson’s private reserve, and two nights in dynamic Johannesburg, plus all meals and social activities. 

 To kick off the adventure, you’ll head to the city for the chance to assume a mentorship role with the young entrepreneurs at The Branson Centre. This hub of creativity is where these future leaders are learning business skills and gaining access to professionals in various fields in an effort to benefit their community. In Johannesburg you will also connect with South Africa’s rich political and cultural history and spend time with local leaders. After your urban excursion you’ll head to the bush, taking in the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and rhinos) at Sir Richard’s private game reserve.

Richard Branson Supports Legacy10 Campaign For Charity Giving

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 13:45:00 +0000

November 2 saw the launch of a nationwide drive to increase the number of people in the UK who leave money to charity in their wills. Legacy10, founded by Roland Rudd, will campaign to ask individuals across the UK to pledge 10% of their estate to charity.

“The goal of Legacy10 is to encourage a change in the way we in the UK regard legacy giving, and make it the norm for people to leave at least 10% of their wealth to good causes,” said Roland Rudd, founder and Chairman of Legacy10. "I am encouraged that a number of people have already made the pledge including Sir Richard Branson, Paul Myners and Sir Keith Mills. I call on others to follow their lead. We have a great incentive in the Chancellor’s introduction this April of a cut in inheritance tax from 40% to 36% for those who give at least 10% of their estate to charity. "

A new Populus poll of over 2000 people across the UK, commissioned by Legacy10, has found that over 80% were unaware of the impending changes to IHT, but that over 70% would now either make a legacy or consider doing so. One of the aims of Legacy10 will be to encourage that 70% to make a pledge as currently only 7% of the UK population leave a gift in their will, while 74% support a charity in their lifetime.

Paul McCartney Gets Behind Meat Free Cookbook

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:30:00 +0000

A new cookbook inspired by the Meat Free Monday campaign – and featuring a foreword by Paul, Stella and Mary McCartney – has hit the shelves of bookstores in the UK

Following the huge success of the McCartney family’s Meat Free Monday campaign, the new cookbook launched yesterday and was inspired by the simple idea that going without meat for just one day of the week can make a huge difference to the planet, our health and even our pocket.

The campaign, which was launched in 2009, came about after the United Nations issued a report which stated that the livestock industry as a whole was responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions than the whole of the transport sector put together. Meat is in fact responsible for a staggering 18 per cent of the planet’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Join Richard Branson In India And Help Save Tigers

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

WildAid has partnered with Virgin Unite, the non-profit foundation of the Virgin Group, to offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join Sir Richard Branson on a Connection Trip to India.

With like-minded entrepreneurs you’ll experience India’s first-ever Formula 1 Grand Prix and get face to face with the issues surrounding our last remaining tigers on the brink of extinction, with only 3200 remaining in the wild. Alongside Richard and the Government of India, guests will also become Founding Patrons of Virgin Unite’s new tiger conservation initiative and will visit the community supported by this trip.

You and a guest will arrive in New Delhi on October 28th, kick off your F1 Grand Prix weekend at a welcome event with the Marussia Virgin Racing team, followed by an exciting few days hosted in the Paddock Club VIP hospitality area as you cheer on the team. Then it’s off to Corbett National Park for two days of exhilarating game drives hosted by WildAid India with a special visit with some of the world’s last remaining wild tigers. Over 50 species of mammals call this land home including tigers, leopards, elephants, antelopes, bears, pangolins, langurs, gorals, wild boar, mongoose, buffalo, monkeys, and fox. More than 60 species of birds can also be seen here including heron, eagles, parakeets, junglefowl, turtle doves, vultures, and hawks.

Call To Ban Shark Fins Gains Support Of Some Big Fish

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 11:30:00 +0000

On both sides of the world, the movement to ban the trade and sale of shark fin products has gained an impressive roster of noteworthy supporters including Leonardo DiCaprio, James Cameron, Wolfgang Puck, Gordon Ramsey, Richard Branson, Yao Ming, Mario Batali, Edward Norton, and Chinese billionaire Zhang Yue.

In California, WildAid, NRDC, and The Humane Society of the United States worked with DiCaprio, Norton, and Yao to write a joint letter to Governor Jerry Brown, urging him to sign California’s Assembly Bill 376, which will ban the import, trade, and possession of shark fin in California. AB 376 has already passed both legislative bodies with bi-partisan support – and currently awaits the Governor’s signature. The letter, also signed by over 50 additional notables including James Cameron, musician Jackson Browne, and actress Rosario Dawson, asserts that the ban is “absolutely necessary if we are to conserve sharks and, in effect, our entire ocean ecosystem.”

Yao Ming And Richard Branson Say No To Shark Fin Soup

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:00:00 +0000

International conservation organization WildAid, Chinese basketball star and WildAid Ambassador, Yao Ming, and leading Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Yue have joined forces with British entrepreneur, Sir Richard Branson and his non-profit foundation Virgin Unite, in a global campaign to save sharks.

Branson and Yao have filmed public service announcements in support of WildAid’s shark campaign drawing attention to the increasing demand for shark fin soup and the devastating effect this demand is having on global shark populations. The messages will broadcast across national and international media via WildAid’s pro-bono media network, beginning today and are available at wildaid.org/sharks.

Yao Ming committed to stop eating shark fin soup in 2006 after learning of the cruel and wasteful practice of "’finning"’ and the threat of extinction facing many shark populations as a result of demand for their fins. He has been an Ambassador for WildAid’s shark campaign ever since. Yao says, “I urge China to lead by banning shark fin soup, and I urge business leaders to end the consumption of shark fin soup at business events. Unless we act now, we will lose many shark populations, impacting our oceans worldwide.”

Have Breakfast With Richard Branson Before Charity Swim

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Imagine you could have breakfast with the one and only Sir Richard Branson. Just you and him chatting over a cup of tea and a bacon roll. What would you ask? What have you always wanted to know about one of the most famous men in the world?

Well, in aid of Cancer Research UK, you have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit down and have a chinwag with the boss of the Virgin Group.

Richard Branson To Speak In New Zealand At Charity Anniversary

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson will speak live on stage in Auckland, New Zealand, in October, at a special dinner.

The Virgin boss will talk about “how to make a difference” at all levels including business, family and the self, and will be joined by Master of Ceremonies Martin Bayfield and Kiwi music legend Dave Dobbyn.

The banquet will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Outward Bound. Established in 1962 as a Charitable Trust, Outward Bound has the vision of: Better People, Better Communities, Better World. Outward Bound enables people to understand their full potential through adventure and challenge in the outdoors.

Richard Branson And Celebrity Friends To Swim For Charity

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:00:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson and Ronan Keating are taking on the ultimate challenge. They’re captaining a team to swim the grueling waters of the Irish Sea and raise £1million!

Stars Celebrate Father's Day With Charity Auction

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Charitybuzz, the leading destination for luxury online charity auctions, presents the 2011 Dads and Grads Auction, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences and covetable gifts that showcase the best of entertainment, sports, food and travel to benefit more than 75 nonprofit organizations around the globe.

Richard Branson, Robert Plant, Ben Stiller, Ben Affleck, Keith Richards, Daniel Craig, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Alyssa Milano are just a few of the many iconic celebrities who have signed on to support their favorite causes, while providing incredible gifts that give back for Father’s Day. Bidding is open from now through June 15th at www.charitybuzz.com/grads&dads.

Instead of the same old pack of golf balls or #1 Dad mug, this year let your imagination run wild. The chance to ride alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., have cocktails with Richard Branson and score a guitar signed by Keith Richards and Mick Jagger are just a few of more than 300 experiences that have hit the auction block with dad in mind. Packages range from a Seth Rogen autographed DVD collection estimated at $100 to the chance to name a Virgin Atlantic A330 Aircraft estimated at $50,000, providing a plethora of gift options at every price point in between.

Stars To Celebrate Global Health Achievements

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Whoopi Goldberg, Sir Richard Branson, Ted Turner, Sarah Jessica Parker, George Soros, Gordon Brown and many more will come together this week to celebrate global health achievements.

The 2011 Global Business Coalition Conference and Gala Awards Dinner rolls out the red carpet on June 2, bringing together major celebrities, heads of state, big-name CEOs, and more for our most memorable evening yet. Actor, comedian and activist Whoopi Goldberg will host an evening that includes honoring two of GBC’s visionary founding supporters—George Soros and Ted Turner—and celebrates the power of business to create positive change on global health. Gordon and Sarah Brown will be recognized for their years of work and leadership addressing international health concerns, and we will pay special tribute to GBC’s founding CEO and leader, Ambassador Richard C. Holbrooke.

With Sigourney Weaver and Kim Cattrall on hand to present awards to George Soros and the Browns, and a stellar evening of musical performances from acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician, Natalie Merchant, and top South African musicians, Yvonne Chaka Chaka and Vusi Mahlasela, June 2 with GBC is sure to be an unforgettable night!

Help Free The Children With Richard Branson

Wed, 25 May 2011 14:00:00 +0000

CharityBuzz.com is currently running a celebrity charity auction that will see two lucky people join Richard Branson at a special cocktail party in Miami on June 25.

According to the charity auction website: "Richard Branson is possibly the most-fascinating man of our time: entrepreneur, explorer, multi-billionaire. And every man on the street we asked in our informal public opinion poll of Branson’s image agrees — he seems a great guy, someone you’d love to have a beer with and hangout. Maybe it’s his disarming charm, likability and devilish smile. Being a committed environmentalist and philanthropist doesn’t hurt either.

“It would seem that with literally hundreds of business irons in the fire, charity and change for good might take a back seat. Not so. The list of well-organized and well-funded efforts for social good is substantial, and it’s no surprise that Branson’s entrepreneurial approach to social change means more bang for the buck, or pound as it were:

Richard Branson To Swim The Irish Sea In Celebrity Charity Challenge

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Richard Branson will join Ronan Keating in the water when they swim the Irish Sea in a new celebrity charity challenge.

The celebrities are captaining a team to swim the Irish Sea, set a new Guinness World Record, and raise £1million!

“The Swim” is a celebrity-led challenge to cross the Irish Sea from Dublin to Holyhead in the longest ever relay swim. Almost three times the length of the English Channel, this 56-mile swim hopes to raise £1 million for the Marie Keating Foundation and Cancer Research UK’s lifesaving work. The Swim team will be made up of 10 people, including Keating, Branson, and other celebrities to be revealed soon.

George Clooney And Friends Support We Want Peace Campaign

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:30:00 +0000

London-based former Sudanese child soldier, political advocate and hip-hop recording artist Emmanuel Jal is spearheading a political awareness campaign supported by George Clooney, Alicia Keys, Kofi Annan, Richard Branson and Peter Gabriel. The singer launched the digital download single “We Want Peace” on Monday 13th December 2010.

The song will be available to download from all leading digital download retailers or from the official website www.we-want-peace.com. Emmanuel Jal is encouraging people around the world to visit the official website, to become ‘peace soldiers’ and sign a peace awareness petition that will call for a timely, free and fair referendum in Southern Sudan and equality, freedom, and justice for all Sudanese.

“The main objective is for supporters from around the world to visit the official “We Want Peace” website and sign up to become ‘Peace Soldiers’," says Jal.

Stars Back Phil Packer's British Inspiration Trust

Mon, 13 Dec 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Many people may not have heard of Phil Packer, but he is a man with a mission. After sustaining a spinal cord injury a few years ago, Phil has continued to inspire millions of people, especially young people, face adversity.

“I was injured and paralysed in 2008 and since then have turned my life towards supporting Young People,” says Phil. "My vision is the British Inspiration Trust, and I am calling on Inspirational Figures from every sector of society to join me as BRIT Mentors and share their gift of inspiration to Young People facing Adversity.

“My aim is to be a charity for charities and act as a deliverer of inspiration and am attracting Inspirational Figures. I am at the beginning of this journey and I hope to link these figures with one common aim and to do it together.”

Richard Branson To Cross-Dress On Flight For Charity

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:30:00 +0000

Sir Richard Branson will dress as an air stewardess on an AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to London after losing a bet with Lotus Formula 1 boss Tony Fernandes – and seats on the flight are to be auctioned for charity.

The bet involved whose team would win the 2010 Formula One championship, with Branson’s Virgin Racing coming in below Lotus.

“We have had this great bet running all season and now it’s time for Richard to start preparing himself for some hard work and the likely pain of a pair of high heels,” Fernandes said in a statement. “The date of the flight will be announced very soon and the aim is to raise as much money as we can for a good cause so the discomfort Richard will go through is worth as much as it possibly can be. Money raised will go to a charity of Richard’s choice and give fans of both teams the chance to be on the flight.”

Join Richard Branson And Mario Batali For Celebrity Charity Dinner

Fri, 12 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for foodies is on the celebrity charity auction block – an ultimate evening of glorious food, vintage wine and witty banter.

Sir Richard Branson and Mario Batali are auctioning the opportunity to join them for an intimate evening and sit down dinner for twenty at Mario’s new Italian born artisanal food and wine marketplace – Eataly – in New York City. The winner of the auction and a guest will experience dining at Eataly in one evening with Mario and Richard at their table.