Look To The Stars News: Nelson Mandela

Oprah Attends Graduation Of Leadership Students In South Africa

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

Oprah Winfrey was in South Africa over the weekend to attend the first graduation of 72 students from her Leadership Academy for Girls.

The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa opened in 2007 with 150 low-income seventh-and-eighth graders, the school now enrolls about 300.

Both Oprah and Graca Machel (humanitarian and wife of Nelson Mandela) addressed the girls at the graduation. Mandela inspired Oprah to open the $40 million school in 2007.

UNICEF Honors Sting And Trudie Styler With Children's Champion Award

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 18:30:00 +0000

On Thursday, October 20 the U.S. Fund for UNICEF presented Sting and UNICEF UK Ambassador Trudie Styler with its annual Children’s Champion Award.

This year’s award recipients were honored for their commitment to improving children’s lives and the environment. The evening’s celebration was a fundraising event co-chaired by Alli and Bill Achtmeyer, Barrie and Kevin Landry, and Elaine and Bobby Sager that brought in a record $1.15 million for UNICEF’s global child survival programs.

Sting and Styler, a UK UNICEF Ambassador since 2004, strive to make a difference for children around the world and protect the environment through numerous public efforts. From raising funds and awareness for the UNICEF End Child Exploitation and United Against AIDS campaigns to visiting tsunami-affected Sri Lanka in solidarity with those affected by the devastating disaster, Styler has been a leading voice on behalf of some of the poorest and most vulnerable children on earth. In November 2005, she received the highest accolade bestowed on a UNICEF Ambassador—the Danny Kaye Humanitarian Award—for her commitment to the world’s children.

Alfre Woodard To Attend Desmond Tutu Book Event

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Alfre Woodard, Deborah Santana, Sharon Gelman, Kitsaun King, Marlene Saritzky and noted guests will attend an afternoon of food, drink, enjoyment and a special program on October 30, where Artists for a New South Africa pays tribute from afar to Desmond Tutu.

The event will celebrate the publication of Tutu: Authorized, an extraordinary new book, celebrating eighty years of Archbishop Tutu’s life,

The book features interviews with President Barack Obama, Kofi Annan, Aung San Suu Kyi and ANSA supporters Harry Belafonte, Jackson Browne, Samuel L. Jackson, Quincy Jones, LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Hugh Masekela, Deborah Santana, Blair Underwood, Alfre Woodard and many more.

Stephen Fry Attends Celebrity Charity Event For Freddie Mercury's Birthday

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:00:00 +0000

Stephen Fry, Fearne Cotton and Matt Lucas were some of the stars who turned out at a charity event in London on Monday to celebrate the 65th birthday of the late great Freddie Mercury.

Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor also attended the event – held at the Savoy Hotel – to raise money for the Mercury Phoenix Trust.

“Freddie would have been 65 this year, and even though physically he is not here, his presence seems more potent than ever,” wrote Queen guitarist Brian May in a special Google Blog. “Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected. He gave people proof that a man could achieve his dreams—made them feel that through him they were overcoming their own shyness, and becoming the powerful figure of their ambitions. And he lived life to the full. He devoured life. He celebrated every minute. And, like a great comet, he left a luminous trail which will sparkle for many a generation to come.”

Be Freddie Mercury For A Day For Charity

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 15:00:00 +0000

The unique opportunity to invest in some of the most prized Freddie Mercury and Queen related memorabilia presents itself next month as part of the grand plans being made by former band mates Brian May and Roger Taylor and Freddie’s own family to celebrate the late singer’s 65th birthday on September 5th.

Amy Winehouse's Charity Legacy

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 03:45:00 +0000

British singer Amy Winehouse passed away this weekend at the age of 27, leaving behind an unsurpassed musical and charity legacy.

Best known for her albums Frank and Back To Black, the soul singer shot to fame in 2003 with a series of amazing singles highlighting her unique talents, as well as her incomparable style.

In 2008, she appeared naked in Easy Living magazine to raise awareness of breast cancer, a cause she supported throughout her career. She performed her hits Rehab and Valerie later that year at Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday concert in London.

Annie Lennox Talks HIV At UN Headquarters

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:30:00 +0000

On June 7, Annie Lennox addressed the HIV Priorities for Positive Change: In Women’s Words at UN Headquarters in New York.

“In November 2003 I had the privilege to take part in a special concert in Cape Town, South Africa, to launch Nelson Mandela’s HIV Aids campaign, 46664,” she said in her speech. "The following day, all the artists were invited to join with him on Robbin island, where he addressed an assemblage of international press, describing the AIDS pandemic as a virtual genocide… which was affecting women and girls in South Africa and the rest of the Sub Saharan continent on a catastrophic level.

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:

Britain's Happy List Honors Those Who Make World A Better Place

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Britain’s Independent on Sunday newspaper has released it’s annual Happy 100 List for 2011, which includes some familiar names for readers of LookToTheStars.org.

The IoS Happy List began in 2008, and lets readers of the paper vote for the people they believe make Britain a better and happier place to live.

Included in this year’s list are:

Nelson Mandela Charity Announces Clothing Brand

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:30:00 +0000

46664 has announced that it will soon be releasing a special clothing brand.

Speaking at a press conference, 46664 board member Achmat Dangor encouraged people to buy the new clothing line:“When you buy a 46664 shirt, you are not just buying apparel, you are investing in a process that will help spread the legacy of Nelson Mandela by supporting the long-term sustainability 46664. You will also be empowering young people in communities out there and creating a platform for global change.”

Annie Lennox Returns From Charity Trip To Malawi

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:00:00 +0000

Singer Annie Lennox visited Malawi last month as part of her role as special envoy for the Scottish branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPASB).

Lennox was joined by the Scottish Parliament Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alex Fergusson MSP, for the five day visit which ran from 13-18 February. During the trip, they visited various projects with Scottish links, including schools, feeding centres and hospitals.

Simon Cowell, Helena Bonham Carter Believe No Child Born to Die

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:28:00 +0000

Helena Bonham Carter has offered her voice to the latest awareness campaign for Save the Children.

The campaign, No Child Born to Die, features the reactions of children in villages in Lindi, Tanzania as they view inspirational clips of David Beckham, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, among others.

Annie Lennox Releases Christmas Album For Charity

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

One of the most successful, iconic and talented artists of the late 20th century is back – and back like you’ve never heard her before.

On November 15th 2010, Annie Lennox released her sixth solo album. A Christmas Cornucopia is a collection of new, inspired interpretations of 11 traditional festive songs, rounded out by a new Lennox composition, Universal Child, available digitally from 12th October.

“All the income that I earn from Universal Child will be paid to the Annie Lennox Foundation.” The Annie Lennox Foundation raises money for projects supporting and educating women and children in Africa with HIV/AIDS.

Nelson Mandela: Conversations With Myself

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The Nelson Mandela Foundation is proud to announce that a new book by Nelson Mandela, Conversations with Myself, will be released worldwide in 22 editions and 20 languages from October 12, 2010.

With a foreword by President Barack Obama, Conversations with Myself is an intimate journey from the first stirrings of Mr Mandela’s political consciousness to his galvanising role on the world stage. It is a rare chance to spend time with Nelson Mandela the man, in his own voice: direct, clear and private.

Compiled by the Nelson Mandela Foundation Centre of Memory and Dialogue, Conversations with Myself gives readers access to the private man behind the public figure: from letters written in the darkest hours of Mr Mandela’s twenty-seven years of imprisonment to the draft of an unfinished sequel to his autobiography Long Walk to Freedom.

Annie Lennox: Woman Of The Year For Charity

Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox received the Barclays Woman of the Year award for her charity work in a ceremony in London this week.

The Barclays Women of the Year Award salutes an exceptional and selfless woman who has used her vision to help change the lives of many.

‘A lot of music you might listen to is pretty vapid, it doesn’t always deal with our deeper issues,’ says Annie Lennox, singer, songwriter and philanthropist. ‘These are the things I’m interested in now, particularly at my age.’

Annie Lennox Wants Britain To Support AIDS Battle

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Annie Lennox has written an article in Britain’s The Guardian on why the UK must increase its support for the Global Fund’s battle against AIDS.

“Set up in 2002, the Global Fund’s track record of delivery is the perfect anti-dote to cynicism about development aid,” she wrote. "Mobilising over $19bn, it has empowered over 140 countries to take the lead on mapping their own, inclusive solutions to the health crises caused by the three diseases. The organisation does not have expensive offices and staff stationed around the world. Instead, it works with the people who live in disease affected countries who care most about improving health. It focuses relentlessly on value for money, accountability and results.

“And what results they are. Nearly six million people are alive today thanks to the Global Fund. It has provided anti-retroviral therapy for 2.8 million people living with HIV. Over 142m cases of malaria have been treated and over 122m insecticide-treated bed nets have been distributed. The Global Fund has detected and treated 7m new cases of TB. Each year, it ensures thousands of HIV positive mothers don’t transmit the virus to their babies. In 2009 alone, 345,000 pregnant women received such treatment.

Nelson Mandela Charity Benefits From FIFA World Cup Auction

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 21:00:00 +0000

Last week, LookToTheStars.org brought you the news that the ball used in the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and the Netherlands was being auctioned for charity. We can now report that the ball raised $74,000.

The money will go to Nelson Mandela’s 46664 charity, to promote education and training in Africa, research into the socio-economic challenges of development in Africa, education and relief of poverty of children, and the support of programs that mitigate the impact of the HIV AIDS pandemic.

FIFA World Cup Final Ball On Auction For Charity

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:00:00 +0000

Fans of the FIFA World Cup have one more chance to enjoy the 2010 tournament – the ball that was used in the final between Spain and the Netherlands earlier this week is being auctioned for charity.

Spain took home the trophy, but you can take home the ball that was touched by some of today’s greatest soccer players! Proceeds from the official Jo’bulani ball will go to Nelson Mandela’s 46664 charity. The aims of the charity are to promote education and training in Africa, research into the socio-economic challenges of development in Africa, education and relief of poverty of children, and the support of programs that mitigate the impact of the HIV AIDS pandemic.

There only a few days left to take part in the auction, so head over to eBay now.

Nelson Mandela Foundation To Host Charity Dinner

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Working to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is hosting a Legacy Gala Dinner at the Sandton Convention Centre this July.

Coined as a premiere event during the 2010 World Cup, the dinner is a result of a partnership between the Foundation, World Fashion Month, Anglo Platinum and African Fashion International.

The Legacy Gala Dinner will showcase unique fashion and jewellery and feature great African entertainment. Guests are asked to buy seats or tables to the event and to participate in an auction of exclusive items.

Bill Clinton Supports Nelson Mandela Day

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Former US President Bill Clinton spoke at the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s Centre of Memory and Dialogue last week in support of Mandela Day on July 18.

Mandela Day is a day of public service when members of the public are encouraged to do something good for at least 67 minutes in honour of more than 67 years that Nelson Mandela dedicated to public service and the fight for social justice.

President Clinton spoke about the need for Nelson Mandela Day and encouraged people to embrace the day of service on Nelson Mandela’s birthday July 18.

Will Ferrell Films Charity Video For The US Campaign For Burma

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 15:30:00 +0000

The US Campaign for Burma has announced that a video by actor Will Ferrell is kicking off a 30-day campaign to help the campaign build one million voices of support for human rights and democracy in Burma.   

Every day for 30 days you will be able to tune into the campaign’s website www.uscampaignforburma.org or www.burmaitcantwait.org (or YouTube, Myspace, and many more sites) to watch a new celebrity video about Burma. Instead of watching one single video with limited information, viewers will be able to learn a great deal about the people of Burma’s courageous struggle for human rights and democracy. Each video is different — some are deadly serious while others have a light touch. Most of these are meant to be different than a typical public service announcement — more like a short movie or skit.  

The videos include many of the top actors in Hollywood and others in music, such as Jennifer Aniston, Woody Harrelson, Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, Eric Szmanda, Anjelica Huston, Ellen Page, Sheryl Crow and more.

John Travolta And Kelly Preston Donate To Charity In South Africa

Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:00:00 +0000

John Travolta has donated US$10,000 to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund while attending the FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Nelson Mandela established the organization to develop partnerships and programs which empower and improve the well-being of children and youth, and promote the rights of children and youth through the influence of public policy and social awareness.

Travolta – who is visiting the Australian football team as an ambassador for Qantas – attended a special event with his wife, Kelly Preston, in Johannesburg during the weekend to hand over the 70,000 Rand donation.

Nelson Mandela's Favorite African Folktales Wins Top Audiobook Award

Thu, 27 May 2010 15:30:00 +0000

LookToTheStars.org is happy to announced that Nelson Mandela’s Favorite African Folktales, an audiobook that raises funds for Artists for a New South Africa, has won two Audie Awards – including the audiobook industry’s top honor, Audiobook Of The Year.

The selection of folktales from across the African continent is performed by a diverse group of acclaimed actors who donated their time and talents to the effort: Gillian Anderson, Benjamin Bratt, LeVar Burton, Ricardo Chavira, Don Cheadle, Matt Damon, Whoopi Goldberg, Sean Hayes, Hugh Jackman, Samuel L. Jackson, LaTanya Richardson, Scarlett Johansson, Debra Messing, Helen Mirren, Parminder Nagra, Sophie Okonedo, CCH Pounder, Alan Rickman, Jurnee Smollett, Charlize Theron, Blair Underwood, Forest Whitaker and Alfre Woodard. Directed by Alfre Woodard, the audiobook features a special message to the world’s children from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and original music by South African legends Johnny Clegg and Vusi Mahlasela.

R. Kelly To Feature On FIFA World Cup Charity Album

Tue, 25 May 2010 11:30:00 +0000

R. Kelly will perform his new charity single – Sign Of A Victory – at the FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony on June 11, backed by a 27-member African choir.

“Africa has always had a special place in my heart, both musically and emotionally,” Kelly told UsMagazine.com. “So it means a lot to me to get to work with the Soweto Spiritual Singers and perform my song at this huge event in Johannesburg.”

The single – which will benefit African charities – will also feature on a new charity CD celebrating the FIFA World Cup. Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album will be released on June 1st.

Charlize Theron Hosts Charity Dinner For African Outreach

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:00:00 +0000

Nicole Richie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Matt Dylan were some of the stars to join Charlize Theron at a fundraising dinner in West Hollywood on Tuesday, April 27.

The stars gathered at Soho House to raise funds for the Charlize Theron African Outreach Project, an initiative created by the actress to create a safer, healthier and better life for impoverished children and their families in South Africa.

“We started [the project] with so little and thought, ‘What is this really going to change?’ And 18 months later I went back and there were about eight faces that I knew we affected and changed their lives,” said Charlize. “For me, going there when we launched, it was eye-opening that the things we take for granted are not the things that you can expect in rural communities in South Africa. Nelson Mandela came out of this area. How can you not invest? I always say even if you can only send two dollars and you don’t think that’s gonna make a difference, trust me, it does make a difference.”