Look To The Stars News: Dragon's Heart Charity

Jackie Chan Named In Top Charity Givers List

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0000

LookToTheStars.org congratulates Jackie Chan for being named as one of the most philanthropic people in Asia.

The star has been named as one of the 48 most philanthropic people by Forbes Asia for his work with the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation – founded in 1988 to help young people in a variety of worthy causes, including medical services, aid to victims of natural disaster or illness, scholarships and youth activities – and the Dragon's Heart Charity, which strives to meet the needs of poverty-stricken children and the elderly in the hardest-to-reach areas of the immense country. Chan has made several trips to villages in these remote locations, bringing warm clothing, wheelchairs and school supplies, and helping to build schools.

LookToTheStars.org talked to Jackie in 2007 about his work with the charities: “I’m very lucky to be able to help children who are suffering the the world. Since I am Ambassador for UNICEF and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems that children face. Plus I am involved with my own charities here in Asia – the Dragon’s Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children! Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is suffering. I try, but it’s never enough.”

Jackie Chan Blogs About Celebrities And Charity

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan has written about last month’s charity trip through Asia for the Dragon's Heart Charity.

“Although I am proud of my films, I am also very proud of my charity work,” said the action star. "Actually, I feel very lucky because I know that if I wasn’t famous, I couldn’t do as much. That’s why I think that celebrities have a responsibility to use their fame to bring attention to the problems in our world. Fans often imitate the behaviors of celebrities; I saw this for the first time when I was very young and just becoming famous. I noticed that the children were mimicking my movements and actions. At that time, my behavior wasn’t really admirable; I was so young and I became famous so quickly. I was spoiled and irresponsible with money and didn’t think much about being a role model. Luckily I changed my behavior as I got older and I always tried to add some good messages into my movies. If the fans are going to copy what I do, then I want to make sure I do the right thing. The same goes with the charity work.

“Many of my fans have written to me to tell me that they became involved in charity because of what they read on my website about the Dragon’s Heart Foundation and the Build a School project. I have heard dozens of stories about the work that my fans have done to support my charities. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of my fans who have made a donation to my charity. I also want to thank those who have taken their time to work on fundraising projects. Thank you! I love you!

“So even if you’re not famous, you can do something to help others. Of course, it helps if you are famous because more people can see what you’re doing and attention can be brought to the needs of others. But there is no amount that’s too small when it comes to donations.”

Jackie Chan Takes Part In Operation Smile Surgery

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Last week brought news of Jackie Chan's participation in a charity event in Vietnam for Operation Smile. Now we’ve learned that he assisted in an actual Operation Smile surgery at the Vietnam-Cuba Hospital in Hanoi.

The star is an ambassador for Operation Smile, an organization that helps children with cleft palates and other deformities.

Chan spent an hour helping with the surgery, and said he felt as tired as though he’d done martial arts for an extended period of time. The surgery was carried out on Quy Thien Tran, a 6-month-old boy with a primary cleft. Vietnamese singer My Tam and model Hi Anh also observed the surgery.

According to an Operation Smile spokesperson: “When the surgery was over, team members said there was barely a dry eye in the house as Chan carried the child back to his mother. Chan said the next morning that he couldn’t sleep and was awake until 3 a.m. emailing his friends about how much the experience of helping change a child’s life had impacted him.”

The star also talked about his fear of needles, and he had to turn away every time an injection was given to the patient!

The star is currently visiting Asian countries on a mission of charity, and has been raising awareness of his Dragon's Heart Charity in China and visiting Typhoon victims in Taiwan.

During the weekend, Chan visited the Singapore Tongji Hospital and became a Goodwill Ambassador. This week he heads to Thailand and Cambodia to be a keynote speaker at the International Peace Foundation’s “Bridges: Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace.”

Jackie Chan Busy With Charity Work In China And Taiwan

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan has been busy with charity work lately.

Last week, the star hosted a charity concert at the Tangshan Stadium to benefit his Dragon's Heart Charity, which helps Chinese students in poverty-stricken areas. The concert included a screening of Three Dreams, a film that shows the actor’s charity work and achievements.

During the three and a half hour show, Chan spoke of his desire for people to love and respect each other despite the boundaries of race, religion, or nationality. He also presented a check for $800,000 to the charity.

The following morning saw the star at the groundbreaking ceremony for a brand new Dragon’s Heart School in Hebei Province’s Luannan County.

On Friday, Chan attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new shop for Roger Dubuis Watches, who donated US $540,000 to the Dragons Heart Foundation.

The weekend saw Jackie arrive in Taiwan, where he is visiting victims of the recent Typhoon. The actor donated $1.5 million to victims immediately after the disaster and recorded this PSA asking for aid.

Fans Inspired To Give By Jackie Chan

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A 14-year-old boy from The Netherlands has written a great story on Jackie Chan’s website about the lessons he has learned from the action star about charitable giving.

“I want to thank Jackie for teaching me about charity,” wrote Thomas Engelmoer, who has spent much of the last few years fundraising for Chan’s Dragon's Heart Foundation and recently met his hero in Beijing. “I have learned how meaningful it is to help raise money for charity and that it can also be a lot of fun. It makes me very happy to know that through the Build a School for a Dollar project I can help children… get a good education so that they have a better chance for a better future.”

The Dragon’s Heart Foundation strives to meet the needs of poverty-stricken children and the elderly in the hardest-to-reach areas of China. Jackie Chan has made several trips to villages in these remote locations, bringing warm clothing, wheelchairs and school supplies, and helping to build schools. In 2006, the Build a School for a Dollar project began on Jackie’s Kids Corner website. The initiative sees children from all over the world raise money for charity, and for every dollar raised, Chan matches the donation. Over US $140,000 has been raised for Jackie’s Dragon’s Heart Foundation to help build schools in remote areas of China. The project was begun as a way to involve children in charitable giving and it has grown to include adults as well.

According to the Foundation: “Jackie’s fans have come up with dozens of creative ways to raise money. There have been bake sales, craft sales, sponsored bicycle rides, and Chinese writing lessons among the many good ideas for fundraising.”

To read Thomas’ full story and find out how you can help this worthy charity, click here.

Jackie Chan Named Ambassador Of Love

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan has been honored for his tireless charity work benefiting the disabled.

The 55-year-old was named an Ambassador of Love during his appearance at the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing last night, May 18.

Chan founded the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation in 1988 to offer scholarships and active help to Hong Kong’s young people through a variety of worthy causes including medical services, aid to victims of natural disaster or illness, and projects where the major beneficiaries are Hong Kong people or organizations. He is also behind the Dragon's Heart Charity, an organization that helps children and the elderly in the remotest parts of China.

Chan is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

To read Look To The Stars’ exclusive interview with Jackie Chan, click here.

Jackie Chan Hands Over Cash To Boys' And Girls' Club

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan took a break from filming his latest movie last week to present two checks to organizations that benefit children.

The actor is currently filming The Spy Next Door in New Mexico, and was asked to attend the ceremony to present the money to the children’s charities in Albuquerque. Chan – who told Look To The Stars that the biggest problem in the world today is the “suffering of children” – presented the checks on behalf of Pulte Homes, which owns the model home village where The Spy Next Door is being filmed. The company donated $5,000 to the Boys' and Girls' Club of Albuquerque and $5,000 to Southwest Multimedia.

“I’m very lucky to be able to help children who are suffering the the world,” Chan told Look To The Stars last year. "Since I am Ambassador for UNICEF and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems that children face. Plus I am involved with my own charities here in Asia – the Dragon's Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children! Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is suffering. I try, but it’s never enough."

Jackie Chan Auctions Items In China

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan continued his fight for charity this week with a visit to China’s Henan province.

The star unveiled a plaque at a centre for mentally ill children in Xinxiang, and took part in a friendly table tennis tournament with the children.

A fundraising auction was also held, including items from Chan’s personal collection, such as a T-shirt he designed, and a signed CD. The sale raised US$373,314, which will go to the actor’s Dragon’s Heart children’s center, which provides education and rehabilitation facilities to mentally handicapped children. Initiated in 2004, Chan’s Dragon's Heart Foundation has financed the building of 21 schools across China.

Chan also took the time to visit a remotely located old people’s home and share a meal with the residents.

Jackie Chan Receives UNICEF Award

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan has received a special UNICEF award for his work with children.

Chan was a guest at a UNICEF reception held in China on August 9, where awards were presented to UNICEF supporting partners and goodwill ambassadors who have aided the organization’s efforts to help children all over the world. The event – called Champions for Children – served two purposes: to advocate for vulnerable children and to thank all of UNICEF’s partners, including the Chinese government, for their tireless work.

Attendees at the function listened to talks from Chan and world reknowned pianist Lang Lang, as well as the words of young survivors from the Sichuan earthquake.

“The May 12th earthquake hurt our people, but many uncles, aunts, brothers and sisters are helping us,” said one 12-year-old survivor. “Our new school has already been built; we have received donations and supplies from all over the world. I plan to study hard and invent a machine to control earthquakes, so that no more people will have to suffer as a result of earthquakes.”

Chan – who has been a UNICEF Ambassador since 2004 – said he was glad to have the opportunity to help and added that he is eager to help children not only in China but all over the world. “Call me anytime, I will be there,” he said.

Chan is well known for his interest in supporting children’s charities, and last year talked to Look To The Stars about his work.

“Since I am Ambassador for UNICEF and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems that children face," he told us. "Plus I am involved with my own charities here in Asia – the Dragon's Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children! Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is suffering. I try, but it’s never enough."

Jackie Chan Sings Out For Donations

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Action star Jackie Chan isn’t just famous for his stunts – he has released 20 albums since 1984 and has sung many of the theme tunes for his own films. And last night he proved his bark is just as big as his bite at a special charity concert in Japan.

The 54-year-old star led a host of Asian stars – including Sandy Lam, Judy Ongg, Aaron Kwok and Ekin Cheng – at a special fundraising concert in Tokyo on Monday night, with proceeds going to Sichuan earthquake survivors.

The concert, dubbed Heart Aid Sichuan, was jointly organized by the Japan-based Chinese singer Judy Ongg and the Japanese broadcaster NHK. It followed the charity premiere of Chan’s latest movie, The Forbidden Kingdom, in Tokyo last week.

“We received a lot of donations from Japan,” said Chan at the premiere, which also raised funds for earthquake survivors. “I really thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s not about how much you donated. Every donation is helpful.”

Jackie Chan’s fans are also showing their generous sides after the star made a plea for them to donate on his website. Over $26,000 has been donated to his Dragon's Heart Charity over the last few months, which will be used to rebuild schools in the devastated area.

Exclusive Interview: Jackie Chan Talks To Look To The Stars

Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:50:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

One of the greatest things about our work at Look To The Stars is the chance to ‘discover’ the wonderful things that celebrities do everyday. In doing so, we often find that our idols are true heroes. This is especially true of action hero Jackie Chan, a legend of Hong Kong cinema and star of the three “Rush Hour” movies. Chan volunteers his time to help many charities, the closest to his heart being the Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation, an organization that has helped thousands of people since he started it in 1988.

Jackie Chan is a great example of someone who always uses his star power to help others. This can best be seen in his Build a School for a Dollar
program, and in his plea to advertisers to
join him in charity work
.

Although Jackie is always busy running from one event to the next, he is never short of time for charity work. He was kind enough to answer a few of our questions on that topic:

LTTS: What do you feel is the biggest problem with the world today?

Jackie Chan: The suffering of children. There is just no problem that
is bigger than that. When you see children hungry or sick, your heart
just breaks. I have never seen anything worse in my whole life.

LTTS: What steps would you take to correct this problem?

Jackie Chan: I’m very lucky to be able to help children who are
suffering the the world. Since I am Ambassador for UNICEF
and UNAIDS, I am able to help raise interest in the problems
that children face. Plus I am involved with my own charities here in
Asia – the Dragon's Heart Charity and the Jackie Chan
Charitable Foundation. There are so many problems for children!
Sometimes I feel that I just can’t do enough for them – as soon as I
solve the problem of one group, I notice that another group is
suffering. I try, but it’s never enough.

LTTS: Do you have any message for our readers?

Jackie Chan: I guess I would like to remind everyone that we live now
in a global village and we are in one single family. It’s our
responsibility to bring friendship and love from all different places
around the world and live together in peace.

LTTS: Jackie Chan, thank you very much for taking the time to answer
our questions. You are a great inspiration.

Jackie Chan Meets UNICEF Painting Competition Winner

Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:27:00 -0000

Written by Myrlia Purcell

Action star and UNICEF Ambassador Jackie Chan took time out of his hectic schedule to visit with the winner of the 2006 UNEP International Children’s Painting Competition on the Environment.

The winner, Lau Tsun Ming (age 9) from China, said: "My "picture “:http://www.jackiechan.com/news_view?cid=371 shows two contrasting scenes of Earth. One is desertified and the other can keep its natural beauty. If people continue to ruin the environment, our surroundings will become dull and nasty.”

As environmental protection is very important to Chan, he was pleased to see that children are also concerned about taking care of the planet.

Children in the U.S. have been brightening Chan’s year with the Build a School for a Dollar Campaign.

In July, Chan toured poverty stricken areas of the Guizhou Province to visit more than a dozen schools built by his Dragon's Heart Charity. During his travels he delivered warm coats and school supplies, led an auction which generated over $125,000, visited a rehabilitation center, and met with business associates to plan future philanthropic missions.

After reading about Jackie’s efforts to help poor children in remote areas of China, many kids wrote to him asking how they could help. Jackie’s Kids Corner shows how kids have started helping by drawing pictures of a school using a dollar bill as the centerpiece.

It costs only $9 a year to send a poor child to school in China.

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