Look To The Stars News: International Fund For Animal Welfare

Amber Valletta Joins IFAW Honorary Board Of Directors

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Actress Amber Valletta is lending a hand to the International Fund For Animal Welfare (IFAW), one of the world’s leading international animal welfare organizations, by becoming a member of its Honorary Board of Directors.

Ms. Valletta’s first act? Striking a pose for IFAW’s Tails for Whales campaign (www.ifaw.org/tailsforwhales). A call to action to protect the majestic marine species, Tails for Whales is a visual petition – an ever growing collection of photos with individuals’ hands posed in the shape of a whale’s tail. Ms. Valletta joins a troupe of celebrities, public figures and everyday individuals raising their hands in support of whale conservation. Actors Alexander Skarsgård,Goran Visnjic, Joely Fisher, Kristin Bauer, Ben Stein and Dylan Walsh, as well as authors, athletes, musicians and world renowned scientists, are among the familiar faces that have already posed and lent their support for the campaign.  

“Amber’s passionate efforts to create greater awareness about the environmental issues facing our planet and its wildlife are remarkable,” said Fred O’Regan, President and CEO, IFAW. “To have Amber share her voice with IFAW is an absolute privilege.”

“I am so proud to be a part of this fantastic organization,” said Ms. Valletta. “From saving the magnificent whales to the iconic polar bears, IFAW has done wonders to protect wildlife populations. I am excited to join the cause and help spread the word about IFAW’s campaigns.”

Ms. Valletta joins Leonardo DiCaprio, Keely and Pierce Brosnan, Ben Stein, Hal Prince, and Goran Visnjic as a member of IFAW’s Honorary Board of Directors. Her new clothing line, Amber Valletta for Monrow, launches at the LA-based Ron Herman boutique in November.

True Blood Star Joins Tails For Whales Campaign

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000

True Blood star Alexander Skarsgård is the latest star to sink his teeth into the International Fund For Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Tails For Whales campaign.

The actor has joined co-star Kristin Bauer in supporting IFAW’s global initiative calling for stronger whale protection. The campaign, which kicked off at a May event co-hosted by Pierce and Keely Brosnan, raises awareness about the threats facing whales and their habitats including commercial whaling and climate change. A call to action to protect the species, the visual petition includes celebrities, public figures and everyday individuals making a whale tail with their hands. Goran Visnjic, Amber Valetta, Joely Fisher, Ben Stein and Dylan Walsh are also among the familiar faces who have already struck a pose for the campaign.

To take part in the campaign and upload your own photo, click here.

Leonardo DiCaprio Makes Time For Charity

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

Written by Tim Saunders

Leonardo DiCaprio always has time for the environment, and now he can prove it with his new appointment as Ambassador for watchmaker TAG Heuer.

The 34-year-old actor has agreed to take over the role from Brad Pitt, and will wear a US$4,000 Carrera Day-Date watch in new print ads for the company this spring. Proceeds from the photoshoots will go to some of the major environmental causes DiCaprio supports, such as the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation – a non-prof he established to foster awareness of environmental issues through participation with organizations such as Natural Resources Defense Council, Global Green USA, the International Fund For Animal Welfare, and National Geographic Kids.

“It is a great day when a company as respected as TAG Heuer explores a different way to do business—selling products and giving back at the same time,” he said. “I’m very excited to start this new partnership, and look forward to a long relationship with TAG Heuer… TAG and I will be making donations to some of the most influential and effective environmental organizations around. Each and every day, these organizations are doing important work to ensure our planet’s resources future generations. Hopefully, our donations will help expand their reach and raise their profile.”

DiCaprio has made several films to educate the public about environmental issues, including 11th Hour. He also serves as the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Pacific Palisades-based Reef Check Foundation. Last year he joined forces with Swiss watch manufacturer Jaeger-LeCoultre to confront global environmental issues and promote eco-friendly causes by creating the “Time to Care” program to benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Fund at the California Community Foundation.

Leonardo DiCaprio Launches Animal Action Week

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

It’s been a busy week for Leonardo DiCaprio so far, with the launch of Animal Action Week and a whole bunch of political statements.

Monday saw the star kick off the International Fund For Animal Welfare’s (IFAW) Animal Action Week, one of the world’s largest environmental education programs. This year’s theme, “Beneath the Waves,” highlights the challenges the world faces to protect the ocean and marine wildlife from the impact of human activities and will reach six million young people in 18 countries.

“The world’s ocean and marine wildlife are one of our Earth’s most valuable treasures, yet today they face more threats than ever before,” said DiCaprio, an Honorary IFAW Board Member. “It’s our responsibility to protect this vital ecosystem and the animals that live there if we want to leave a better world for future generations.”

As part of the initiative, IFAW is encouraging teachers and children across the globe to engage with nature by offering a free education pack and 15-minute film about protecting wildlife in the oceans. The curriculum-based materials are available in two versions, one for elementary students (Grades 3-4) and one for middle school (Grades 5-9).

“Together we can set an example for the rest of the world in protecting the ocean and marine wildlife,” said DiCaprio. “Our individual actions and the lifestyle choices we make really matter. The hope is you.”

DiCaprio’s involvement follows his appearance at Barack Obama’s fundraiser headlined by Barbra Streisand and Ben Harper in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

DiCaprio used the occasion to urge senators Obama and John McCain to push for increased use of wind power and solar energy – regardless of who wins the race to the White House next month – and pledge an end to America’s dependence on foreign oil.

“The most critical thing for the new administration is to implement an environmental policy that automatically integrates environmental issues we’re all concerned about in our everyday lives,” said the actor, whose 11th Hour documentary highlighted the need to step up environmental procedures around the world. “It’s a moral issue and a patriotic issue, really. We need the government to be at the forefront of this. We need to invest in renewable technologies. As much as people are stressing drilling at this point in time, we’re 10 years away from seeing any of that. We have the technology here. It’s readily available. Wind and solar power can make a big difference. That is my message. It’s in our hands.”

More information about Animal Action Week can be found at www.ifaw.org.

Look To The Stars News: International Fund For Animal Welfare

Amber Valletta Joins IFAW Honorary Board Of Directors

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