Look To The Stars News: Oxfam

Artic Monkeys Release Second Single For Oxfam

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:00 -0000

The Arctic Monkeys have released their 10-inch vinyl single, ‘Cornerstone,’ exclusively through Oxfam’s charity shop, with all proceeds going towards fighting poverty.

Exclusive to Oxfam, the second single from Arctic Monkeys’ recent number 1 album Humbug features 3 brand new b-sides: ‘Catapult’, ‘Sketchead’, and ‘Fright Lined Dining Room’. Each single comes with a download code allowing fans to get an MP3 version of the songs for free.

The vinyl single is available in the top 50 of the charity shop’s music stores across the UK starting November 16. Additionally, the band has hidden golden tickets for their forthcoming sold-out UK tour in random copies of the single.

This is the second vinyl version of a single which the Arctic Monkeys have made available on Oxfam, their first being Crying Lightening.

Fatboy Slim Jams For Oxfam

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Emily Ray

Fatboy Slim provided the entertainment at the third night of this year’s ‘Oxjam’ festival in a modest Oxfam shop in Tooting, London!

Stereo MCs and Basement Jaxx also offered their musical services, with the latter auctioning off two copies of their latest album ‘Scars’ – one of which reached £100.

Festival goers also had the chance to browse the store before Fatboy Slim’s performance and get their faces painted blue in honour of Oxfam’s new campaign for climate change.

Oxjam aims to fight poverty with music, from club to classical. Since 2006, over £1 million has been raised, with events continuing throughout October. To find out more, visit the Oxjam website

Aid Agencies Seek Donations For Samoan Tsunami Vistims

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

New Zealand-born comedy actress Pamela Stephenson has given a harrowing first-hand account of the devastating Tsunami that hit Samoa last week.

The wife of Scottish comedian Billy Connolly was staying in Samoa and is urging the world to come to the aid of the island nation after the massive wave killed over 180 people – including villagers and tourists – and left many more homeless.

“Huge piles of debris lay everywhere; it was clear the wave had whacked every structure with incredible might,” she told the Guardian newspaper in the UK. “Cars teetered where they had been thrown, on top of rubble from collapsed dwellings. Fridges and air conditioners floated in the sea. I looked along the bay and saw that a well-known jetty was missing. So were villages that once lined the shore. I saw a thatched fale [house] surrounded by three policemen and some villagers. A woman was lying inside and someone was trying to revive her.”

New Zealanders have already donated over $600,000 to aid agencies operating on the islands, but the Red Cross and Oxfam are desperately asking for more.

“Any money given to the Red Cross for an emergency goes to that emergency, we ensure that it’s spent where it’s most needed and that’s at the ground in the communities,” said Andrew McKie from the Red Cross.

Organizations such as World Vision, The Salvation Army and UNICEF are also seeking donations.

“Many are homeless, but the extended family system means they will stay with relatives in other villages,” said Stephenson. “Samoans are extraordinary people, and their resilience is evident.”

For more information on how to donate to victims of this disaster, click here.

80's Music Superstars ABC To Headline Oxjam Gig

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Each year an illustrious collective of artists and celebrities lineup to ‘rock it out for humanity’ and show their support for Oxfam’s month-long nation wide music festival – Oxjam. On October 16, a super stylish flagship event will be hosted at Matter in London, Europe’s most renowned and technologically advanced venue. An unmissable night of nights where music, fashion and charity all come together under one roof.

And we can now announce that 80’s Supergroup ABC will be headlining the event! ABC were very definitely the number one group who kick-started the Eighties with their own brand of pop for a ‘new decade. Their debut album ’The Lexicon of Love’ – voted by many as the best British album of the decade – crashed straight into the UK album charts at number one. ABC will be fronting Oxjam at Matter, showcasing their hits songs ‘Tears Are Not Enough’, ’ Poison Arrow’, ‘The Look Of Love’ and ‘All Of My Heart’. Even some twenty seven years since “The Lexicon Of Love”, ABC audiences and the press all say that the energy and the vocals of the band today easily match what they put out back in the 80’s , giving audiences worldwide a great night of music and entertainment.

Megastars such as Duran Duran, Kylie Minogue, The Petshop Boys, Kasabian and others have donated some unbelievable money can’t buy packages to aid this altruistic event. For further info please visit http://www.c2bk.com/vips.html

For all news, info and tickets for this event visit: www.c2bk.com

Scarlett Johansson And Colin Firth Auction Experiences For Oxfam

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 14:30:00 -0000

International relief and development agency Oxfam America teams up with eBay once again to benefit Oxfam’s poverty relief and advocacy efforts around the world.

The program consists of three consecutive charity auctions beginning on September 17, 2009, and features unique “experiences” with Oxfam Ambassadors including Scarlett Johansson, Colin Firth, and Chef Giada De Laurentiis. Each item listed will run for 7 days and will be featured at www.ebay.com/oxfam.

Oxfam Ambassador “Experiences” for Auction Actor Scarlett Johansson is offering an “Iron Man 2” experience that includes:

Two tickets to the “Iron Man 2” Movie Premiere in Los Angeles in May 2010
A photo opportunity with Scarlett Johansson at the Premiere
Hair and make-up/Grooming services for the Premiere by Christoph Beverly Hills
Other items include: signed LP’s from her album, and her director’s chair from the set of “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

Actor Colin Firth’s charity auction featuring Walt Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” experience includes:

Two VIP tickets to the World Premiere of “A Christmas Carol” and after party in London this November.
A meet and greet with Colin Firth at the Premiere
Additionally, Firth is placing up for bid personalized DVD’s packages that include, “Bridget Jones Diary”, “Love Actually”, and “Pride and Prejudice.”

And wrapping up the auction series is bestselling author and Chef Giada De Laurentiis offering the chance to visit the set of her show, Food Network’s “Giada at Home” which includes a tour of the set and lunch for four.

The charity auctions are featured at www.ebay.com/oxfam through October 8 and are listed through the eBay Giving Works program. One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit Oxfam America. For more information on each individual Oxfam Ambassador charity auction, please visit www.ebay.com/oxfam.

The fundraising auction is being managed on eBay by Auction Cause, a premier online auction management agency specializing in high-profile design, strategy, and cause marketing for corporations and nonprofits worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.auctioncause.com.

Arctic Monkeys Hide Golden Tickets In New Oxfam Single

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

As previously reported, British band the Arctic Monkeys are to release their new single, Cry Lightening, exclusively through Oxfam shops.

The band have now revealed that they have hidden tickets to concerts in two of the singles – Willy Wonka style.

The “Golden Tickets” are for the Reading and Leeds Festivals to be held on August 28-30, and have been randomly placed in two of the singles. The band has also personally signed 40 of the singles, which will also be hidden in Oxfam shops across the UK. A further 15 signed copies will be sent out at random to customers who buy the record using Oxfam.org.uk/shop.

A ten-inch version of the single is being sold through conventional record shops.

President Obama To Award Medals Of Freedom Today

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0000

President Obama has named 16 recipients of the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom. America’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is awarded to individuals who make an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.

This year’s awardees were chosen for their work as agents of change. Among their many accomplishments in fields ranging from sports and art to science and medicine to politics and public policy, these men and women have changed the world for the better. They have blazed trails and broken down barriers. They have discovered new theories, launched new initiatives, and opened minds to new possibilities.

President Obama said, "These outstanding men and women represent an incredible diversity of backgrounds. Their tremendous accomplishments span fields from science to sports, from fine arts to foreign affairs. Yet they share one overarching trait: Each has been an agent of change. Each saw an imperfect world and set about improving it, often overcoming great obstacles along the way.

“Their relentless devotion to breaking down barriers and lifting up their fellow citizens sets a standard to which we all should strive. It is my great honor to award them the Medal of Freedom.”

President Obama will present the awards at a ceremony on Wednesday, August 12.

The following individuals will receive the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom:

Nancy Goodman Brinker. Nancy Goodman Brinker is the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the world’s leading breast cancer grass roots organization. Brinker established the organization in memory of her sister, who passed away from breast cancer in 1980. Through innovative events like Race for the Cure, the organization has given and invested over $1.3 billion for research, health services and education services since its founding in 1982 and developed a worldwide grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists who are working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find cures. Brinker has received several awards for her work, and has also served in government as U.S. Ambassador to Hungary (2001 – 2003), Chief of Protocol of the U.S. (2007 – 2009), and Chair of the President’s Cancer Panel (1990). In May, Nancy Goodman Brinker was named the first-ever World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Cancer Control.

Pedro José Greer, Jr. Dr. Pedro Jose Greer is a physician and the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs at the Florida International University School of Medicine, where he also serves as Chair of the Department of Humanities, Health and Society. Dr. Greer is the founder of Camillus Health Concern, an agency that provides medical care to over 10,000 homeless patients a year in the city of Miami. He is also the founder and medical director of the St. John Bosco Clinic which provides basic primary medical care to disadvantaged children and adults in the Little Havana community. He has been recognized by Presidents Bill Clinton, George Bush Sr, and Jimmy Carter for his work with Miami’s poor . He is also the recipient of three Papal Medals as well as the prestigious MacArthur “genius grant”. He currently has a joint private practice with his father, Pedro Greer, Sr.

Stephen Hawking. Stephen Hawking is an internationally-recognized theoretical physicist who has a severe physical disability due to motor neuron disease. He is the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge University, a post previously held by Isaac Newton in 1669. In addition to his pioneering academic research in mathematics and physics, Hawking has penned three popular science books, including the bestselling A Brief History of Time. Hawking, a British citizen, believes that non-academics should be able to access his work just as physicists are, and has also published a children’s science book with his daughter. His persistence and dedication has unlocked new pathways of discovery and inspired everyday citizens.

Jack Kemp. Jack Kemp, who passed away in May 2009, served as a U.S. Congressman (1971 – 1989), Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (1989 – 1993), and Republican Nominee for Vice President (1996). Prior to entering public service, Kemp was a professional football player (1957 – 1969) and led the Buffalo Bills to American Football League championships in 1964 and 1965. In Congress and as a Cabinet Secretary, Kemp was a self-described “bleeding heart conservative” who worked to encourage development in underserved urban communities. In the years leading up to his death, Kemp continued seeking new solutions, raising public attention about the challenge of poverty, and working across party lines to improve the lives of Americans and others around the world.

Sen. Edward Kennedy. Senator Edward M. Kennedy has served in the United States Senate for forty-six years, and has been one of the greatest lawmakers – and leaders – of our time. From reforming our public schools to strengthening civil rights laws and supporting working Americans, Senator Kennedy has dedicated his career to fighting for equal opportunity, fairness and justice for all Americans. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to quality and affordable health care, and has succeeded in doing so for countless children, seniors, and Americans with disabilities. He has called health care reform the “cause of his life,” and has championed nearly every health care bill enacted by Congress over the course of the last five decades. Known as the “Lion of the Senate,” Senator Kennedy is widely respected on both sides of the aisle for his commitment to progress and his ability to legislate.

Billie Jean King. Billie Jean King was an acclaimed professional tennis player in the 1960s and 1970s, and has helped champion gender equality issues not only in sports, but in all areas of public life. King beat Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, then the most viewed tennis match in history. King became one of the first openly lesbian major sports figures in America when she came out in 1981. Following her professional tennis career, King became the first woman commissioner in professional sports when she co-founded and led the World Team Tennis (WTT) League. The U.S. Tennis Association named the National Tennis Center, where the US Open is played, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in 2006. She was a Founding Board Member of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Rev. Joseph Lowery. Reverend Lowery has been a leader in the U.S. civil rights movement since the early 1950s. It was in Mobile, Alabama, at this time –that he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association; the organization which led the Movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. Rev. Lowery later co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a leading civil rights organization, with Dr. Martin Luther King, and was chosen by Dr. King to Chair the Delegation delivering the demands of the Selma-to-Montgomery March to Alabama Governor George Wallace.. Rev. Lowery is a minister in the United Methodist Church, and has continued to highlight important civil rights issues in the U.S. and worldwide, including apartheid in South Africa, since the 1960s.

Joe Medicine Crow – High Bird. Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow, the last living Plains Indian war chief, is the author of seminal works in Native American history and culture. He is the last person alive to have received direct oral testimony from a participant in the Battle of the Little Bighorn: his grandfather was a scout for General George Armstrong Custer. A veteran of World War II, Medicine Crow accomplished during the war all of the four tasks required to become a “war chief,” including stealing fifty Nazi SS horses from a German camp. Medicine Crow was the first member of his tribe to attend college, receiving his master’s degree in anthropology in 1939, and continues to lecture at universities and notable institutions like the United Nations. His contributions to the preservation of the culture and history of the First Americans are matched only by his importance as a role model to young Native Americans across the country.

Harvey Milk. Harvey Milk became the first openly gay elected official from a major city in the United States when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. Milk encouraged lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) citizens to live their lives openly and believed coming out was the only way they could change society and achieve social equality. Milk, alongside San Francisco Mayor George Moscone, was shot and killed in 1978 by Dan White, a former city supervisor. Milk is revered nationally and globally as a pioneer of the LGBT civil rights movement for his exceptional leadership and dedication to equal rights.

Sandra Day O’Connor. Justice O’Connor was the first woman ever to sit on the United States Supreme Court. Nominated by President Reagan in 1981, she served until her retirement in 2006. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, O’Connor served as a state trial and appellate judge in Arizona. She was also as a member of the Arizona state senate, where she became the first woman in the United States ever to lead a state senate as Senate Majority Leader. At a time when women rarely entered the legal profession, O’Connor graduated Stanford Law School third in her class, where she served on the Stanford Law Review and was elected to the Order of the Coif. Since retiring from the Supreme Court in 2006, O’Connor has served as Chancellor of the College of William and Mary, on the Board of Trustees of the National Constitution Center, and participated in the Iraq Study Group in 2006, as well as giving numerous lectures on public service. She has received numerous awards for her outstanding achievements and public service.

Sidney Poitier. Sidney Poitier is a groundbreaking actor, becoming the top black movie star in the 1950s and 1960s. Poitier is the first African American to be nominated and win a Best Actor Academy Award, receive an award at a top international film festival (Venice Film Festival), and be the top grossing movie star in the United States. Poitier insisted that the film crew on The Lost Man be at least 50 percent African American, and starred in the first mainstream movies portraying “acceptable” interracial marriages and interracial kissing. Poitier began his acting career without any training or experience by auditioning at the American Negro Theatre.

Chita Rivera. Chita Rivera is an accomplished and versatile actress, singer, and dancer, who has won Two Tony Awards and received seven more nominations while breaking barriers and inspiring a generation of women to follow in her footsteps. In 2002, she became the first Hispanic recipient of the coveted Kennedy Center Honor. Propelled to stardom by her electric performance as Anita in the original Broadway premiere of West Side Story, Rivera went on to star in additional landmark musicals such as Chicago, Bye Bye Birdie, and Jerry’s Girls. She recently starred in The Dancer’s Life, an autobiographical musical about her celebrated life in the theatre.

Mary Robinson. Mary Robinson was the first female President of Ireland (1990 – 1997) and a former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (1997 – 2002), a post that required her to end her presidency four months early. Robinson served as a prominent member of the Irish Senate prior to her election as President. She continues to bring attention to international issues as Honorary President of Oxfam International, and Chairs the Board of Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunizations (GAVI Alliance). Since 2002 she has been President of Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Initiative, based in New York, which is an organization she founded to make human rights the compass which charts a course for globalization that is fair, just and benefits all.

Janet Davison Rowley. Janet Davison Rowley, M.D., is the Blum Riese Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine, Molecular Genetics & Cell Biology and Human Genetics at The University of Chicago. She is an American human geneticist and the first scientist to identify a chromosomal translocation as the cause of leukemia and other cancers. Rowley is internationally renowned for her studies of chromosome abnormalities in human leukemia and lymphoma, which have led to dramatically improved survival rates for previously incurable cancers and the development of targeted therapies. In 1999 President Clinton awarded her the National Medal of Science—the nation’s highest scientific honor.

Desmond Tutu. Desmond Tutu is an Anglican Archbishop emeritus who was a leading anti-apartheid activist in South Africa. Widely regarded as “South Africa’s moral conscience,” he served as the General Secretary of the South African Council of Churches (SACC) from 1978 – 1985, where he led a formidable crusade in support of justice and racial reconciliation in South Africa. He received a Nobel Peace Prize for his work through SACC in 1984. Tutu was elected Archbishop of Cape Town in 1986, and the Chair of the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995. He retired as Archbishop in 1996 and is currently Chair of The Elders.

Muhammad Yunus. Dr. Muhammad Yunus is a global leader in anti-poverty efforts, and has pioneered the use of “micro-loans” to provide credit to poor individuals without collateral. Dr. Yunus, an economist by training, founded the Grameen Bank in 1983 in his native Bangladesh to provide small, low-interest loans to the poor to help better their livelihood and communities. Despite its low interest rates and lending to poor individuals, Grameen Bank is sustainable and 98% percent of its loans are repaid – higher than other banking systems. It has spread its successful model throughout the world. Dr. Yunus received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his work.

Arctic Monkeys Cry Lightening For Oxfam

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British band Arctic Monkeys will release their new single exclusively through Oxfam shops, with proceeds going to help the charity’s work around the world.

Crying Lightening is the first single off the band’s new album, Humbug, and will go on sale at Oxfam’s 700 charity shops throughout the UK on August 17. It is the first time Oxfam shops have sold a new release single for 25 years.

The band is also urging people to bring in their old unwanted CDs and music when they buy the single, as Oxfam shops sell around US$10 million worth of music each year – that’s enough to buy 187,000 emergency shelters, or provide safe water for 8 million people.

The new single will cost £2.99 (US$5) and will come with a code for a free download of the song.

Neil Finn Gathers Musical Friends For Charity Album

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Crowded House singer Neil Finn is behind a new charity album that aims to raise money for Oxfam.

The double album, to be called The Sun Came Out, was recorded during the musician’s Seven Worlds Collide charity concerts in January and features contributions from Radiohead’s Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg, multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano, and Wilco members Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone.

“7 Worlds Collide is a great project – I hope The Sun Came Out is a huge success,” said Jeremy Hobbs, Director of Oxfam International. “Not just because it’s a unique musical experience but because each CD sold will make a difference – raising money to fund Oxfam’s work to fight poverty.”

The album is due for release on August 10. Information can be found here.

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A huge selection of celebrity-designed bags and T-shirts are currently available at the UK’s premiere celebrity charity auction website, Buy Once Give Twice.

The auction site is hosting the auction for Whatever It Takes, a unique charity artwork project which inspires hope by gathering artworks from leaders in all fields; royalty, film, music, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, sports, literature etc. The artworks are used to ethically produce Whatever It Takes products which are then sold to raise funds for charitable causes chosen by each contributing leader.

Going under the hammer in the auction are T-shirts featuring designs by The Killers, Pink, Snoop Dogg, Nicole Kidman, Hilary Duff, Lucy Liu, Toni Collette, Coldplay, Minnie Driver, Keane, Whoopi Goldberg, Green Day, Barry Manilow, Penelope Cruz, Melanie C, Annie Lennox, and the Kaiser Chiefs. There are also bags and purses designed by Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, Lucy Liu, Kanye West, Slash, David Bowie, Ozzy Osbourne, and Stella McCartney.

Charities supported by Whatever It Takes include: Adopt-A-Minefield, Anti-Slavery International, Breast Cancer Campaign, CARE, Children of the Andes, Children’s Medical Research Institute, Christian Children’s Fund, City at Peace, Comic Relief, Dreams Can Be Foundation, Great Ormond Street Hospital, Greenpeace, Healthlink Worldwide, Heifer International, Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, Red Cross, LIFEbeat, LifeLine & Rape Crisis PMB, Opportunity International, Oxfam, ROTA, Rights and Humanity, S.A.F.E., Save the Children, Sharon Osborne Colon Cancer Program, Snoop Youth Football League, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Teenage Cancer Trust, The BRIT Trust, Christina Noble Children’s Foundation, Little Dreams Foundation, Lotus Outreach, Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, Toothfairy Foundation, Trade plus Aid, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WaterAid.

To make a bid in the auction, which runs until June 30, click here.

Coldplay Auction Charity Tickets

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Delinda Lombardo

Coldplay has teamed up with CharityFolks.com to offer fans 2 VIP tickets to each of their North American shows to benefit Oxfam America, an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice.

Ticket auctions end about two weeks before each show, so don’t miss this opportunity to see Coldplay up close and personal while helping stomp out hunger. For details on each auction package, please visit Charity Folks.com.

George Clooney Supports Mia Farrow's Hunger Strike For Darfur

Tue, 05 May 2009 12:30:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Actress Mia Farrow began a 21-day hunger strike on 27 April to force the spotlight on the dire situation in Dafur.

Frustrated at the continued inattention to the plight of millions, she stated that she began her fast of water “in solidarity with the people of Darfur and as a personal expression of outrage at a world that is somehow able to stand by and watch innocent men, women and children needlessly die of starvation, thirst and disease.”

Actor George Clooney, who has also campaigned for a political solution to the Dafur situation, supports Farrow’s attempt to bring some serious attention to it. So far, Farrow is feeling hungry but good, and is still able to post daily reports on her website

“I have a doctor coming to see me on Monday,” she says on her Day Four video blog. “The people [in Darfur refugee camps] have no doctors because [”Doctors Without Borders":http://www.looktothestars.org/charity/208-doctors-without-borders] has been expelled. I have clean water that I can drink, and people there don’t have clean water because Oxfam isn’t there to repair the well pumps and the well pumps are breaking."

She is concerned that camp food stores are dwindling, that aid workers are unable to deliver what there is from Port Sudan to some camps and that latrines are overflowing, which could lead to disease.

However, she is grateful for the support she has been getting: “Some people are interested in how I am doing, but we need to be thinking of Darfur’s people. If my hunger brings focus to where it belongs, if more people know what is happening in Darfur and will raise their voices, then what I am going through now is well worth it.”

Scarlett Johansson Signs Champagne For Oxfam

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Moët & Chandon, the champagne of cinema, last week introduced its highly-anticipated celebrity spokesperson at the brand’s “Tribute to Cinema” gala at the Big Sky studio in London: the effervescent Scarlett Johansson.

Celebrating among the delighted and glamorous guest list was an array of British and international movie stars and socialites, including Thandie Newton, Joseph Fiennes and Mélanie Laurent.

Moët’s “Tribute to Cinema” theme infused every detail of the evening, which was held at London’s Big Sky film studio. British and international celebrities arrived in “red carpet” attire and were elegantly greeted by House President Frédéric Cumenal. Following the Moët red carpet tradition from the international film festivals the House supports, celebrities were then invited to autograph a Moët & Chandon Nebuchadnezzar, which will be auctioned off in direct support of Scarlett’s charity of choice, international aid agency Oxfam and its climate change work.

“Moët and the movies both tell compelling stories and share authentic emotions with the world,” explained Scarlett Johansson, the Hollywood face of Moët & Chandon. “I am honored to have been chosen as their ambassador and to make history with the brand, as the first celebrity face of champagne!”

“Scarlett Johansson was the obvious choice as our ambassador because she, like Moët, has a magical story to tell and makes people dream”, said Frédéric Cumenal, President of Moët & Chandon. “She is a true icon of celebration — refreshingly spontaneous, generous, glamorous and she lives life to the fullest both on-screen and off”.

Heidi Klum Fronts Oxfam Campaign

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oxfam has launched a new campaign to encourage people to recycle clothing.

The Sustain Me campaign features famous faces such as Heidi Klum, Natalie Imbruglia, Cat Deeley and Jourdan Dunn in a series of looks designed by stylist Katie Shillingford using clothing handpicked from Oxfam’s recycling plant Wastesaver.

“I just love the idea of recycling clothing,” said Klum. “To give those once cherished items a longer existence is just great. It’s also an essential tool for Oxfam to continue tackling poverty in the world.”

Research by the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange partnership has discovered that 75% of consumers have at some time in their lives purchased an item of clothing and never worn it. A further 25% of people “admit to hoarding clothes finding them either too difficult to give away or assuming that they’ll come back in to fashion at some point.”

“Katie Shillingford has created a combination of classic, timeless and directional looks for this campaign, showing just how original you can be with sustainable fashion from your local Oxfam,” said Sarah Farquhar, Head of Retail Operations at Oxfam. “Our shops offer great value for money and give you the chance to create and express your own personal style. In addition to highlighting your sustainable fashion credentials, your purchases will raise vital funds for Oxfam’s work tackling poverty. In the current economic climate, Oxfam needs donations more than ever. Every item we sell allows Oxfam to provide help where it is needed most, so we’re asking people to have a rummage through their wardrobes and, even if they only pick out one item, bring the clothing they no longer want in to us at Oxfam. You can be sure we will look after it, find someone else who will love it for longer and make as much money as possible to help sustain poor people around the world.”

More information about the Sustain Me campaign can be found here.

Not On Our Watch Donates To Oxfam

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Not On Our Watch has announced a $500,000 grant to international aid agency Oxfam America to support their humanitarian response in eastern Chad, for victims of the violence in the Chad-Darfur region.

Founded by actors Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, producer Jerry Weintraub, and human rights lawyer David Pressman, Not On Our Watch works to focus global attention and resources towards putting an end to mass atrocities around the world. This timely gift supports Oxfam’s lifesaving work on health, hunger and poverty initiatives as the dry season approaches.

“As the conflict in Chad and Darfur continues, victims of violence remain desperately in need of basic support systems. Now more than ever it is critical that the international community work towards putting an end to this crisis,” said Not On Our Watch co-founder Matt Damon.

The grant allows for Oxfam to serve over 200,000 vulnerable people at a time of desperate need. Plagued with continuing violence, a lack of basic services, and depleted food rations, refugees and displaced persons are becoming more vulnerable to hunger, disease and poverty every day.

The funding provided to Oxfam will support immediate action to avert future hunger and provide access to clean water for some of the region’s most vulnerable citizens—displaced families and their host communities. The programs include:

Providing clean water: Communities will have safe access to water for drinking, cooking, cleaning and bathing. They will have access to sanitary facilities and learn safe hygiene practices.

Improving access to land and farming technique: Distributing tools, high yield seeds and fertilizers and improving people’s access to cultivable land, as well as new cultivation techniques to increase agricultural production.

Income generation: Implementing small income generation projects such as mills, rickshaws, handicrafts, and soap making.
Also, providing technical support for more efficient livestock rearing and organizing markets where farmers can sell their goods.

These actions will better equip communities to deal with upcoming challenges. With improved water, sanitation, agriculture and income, more resources will be available in times of need.

Oxfam continues to provide vital assistance to more than 500,000 people affected by the crisis, both in Darfur and eastern Chad. The agency provides essential access to clean water and sanitation, public health education, and livelihoods opportunities and training.

“Living on the brink of disaster, any additional factor could result in a sudden crisis for the people of Chad,” said Raymond C. Offenheiser, president of Oxfam America. “The funding from Not On Our Watch helps Oxfam to plan for the future, and will help thousands of people to provide for themselves during lean times.”

Scarlett Johansson And Annie Lennox Sign Oxfam's Climate Letter

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Nineteen actors, musicians and activists signed a letter drafted by international aid agency Oxfam to tackle the issue of climate change in December.

The letter was written to world leaders who attended the UN climate negotiations in Poland and urged them to lead the way and show the political will demonstrated in the face of economic crisis so that dangerous climate change can be averted.

Scarlett Johansson, broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo, Colin Firth, Missy Higgins, Kristin Davis, Thom Yorke, Annie Lennox, Ian McEwan, Jarvis Cocker, Bill Nighy and Gael Garcia Bernal were among the stars to put their signatures to the letter.

“It is desperately unfair that the poor should again feel the brunt, despite being least responsible,” read the letter. “Wealthy nations, who are in their advantaged position because of heavy industrialization, are the most responsible and able to lead the world in tackling climate change. This is why they must show leadership in Poland and provide solutions that have the interests of the world’s poor at their heart.”

Oxfam says climate change is already affecting the lives of millions of poor people around the world and threatening progress made in pulling people from poverty, and progress must be made to stop global warming from exceeding 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels.

The full letter can be read here.

Seven Worlds Collide For Oxfam

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Here’s a series of events that our Southern Hemisphere readers will want to mark in their diaries for the New Year: Neil Finn is holding his Seven Worlds Collide concerts to benefit Oxfam in January.

The concerts – which will feature Radiohead’s Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg, multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano, Wilco members Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone, and New Zealand musicians Liam Finn, Don McGlashan and Bic Runga – will be held at the Powerstation in Auckland, New Zealand, on January 5, 6, and 7.

It is the second time the Crowded House frontman has held his Seven Worlds Collide concerts. He introduced the concept in 2001, and released a successful live album of the events. This time round the star-studded band will repeat the exercise for Oxfam.

“Many of us have had previous connections with Oxfam,” said Finn. “We are working with them on this album not only to highlight the great work they do but to hopefully make some money for them as well.”

Oxfam New Zealand Executive Director Barry Coates added “We are honored to be working with Neil and so many other talented and committed artists on this project, many of whom have supported Oxfam over a number of years. At a time when the number of people living in extreme poverty is growing, funds generated from this project will be urgently directed to those in need, providing opportunities and hope for a better future.”

Tickets for the events cost $98.70 and are available here.

Annie Lennox - Human Rights Now!

Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Annie Lennox was awarded a Special Achievement Award at the German Sustainability Awards last week.

The ceremony – which took place in Düsseldorf – recognized the music legend’s commitment to a sustainable future through her work in the fight against HIV/AIDS, including her commitments to the Treatment Action Campaign, Oxfam, the 46664 Campaign, and SING.

The event was followed this week by a special documentary that aired on BBC2 radio. Human Rights Now! was a 1 hour presentation hosted by Lennox that highlighted the important part artists and musicians play in generating support and awareness for Amnesty International.

The program included a discussion of the Secret Policeman’s Ball events and the Conspiracy Of Hope and Human Rights Now! tours which featured performances from such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Peter Gabriel and Bono.

The program – which celebrated International Human Rights Day on December 10 – included contributions from U2’s The Edge, Sting, and Pete Townshend from The Who.

The program can be heard at the BBC website.

Kaiser Chiefs Walk In An Oxfam Winter Wonderland

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Isra Shah

The Kaiser Chiefs headlined the first of the annual Winter Wonderland live shows at London’s Brixton Academy on Tuesday night.

Hosted by alternative radio station Xfm, the shows are part-fun and part-fundraiser. Music fans are treated to an array of performances from up-and-coming bands as well as the more recognized fixtures; past years have featured The Kooks and The Editors amongst others.

Proceeds from the concert series will benefit Oxfam in their aim to combat famine, lift communities out of poverty, and assist populations affected by natural disasters. This year’s festivities are expected to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the cause.

Regarding the partnership between the two groups, Mike Walsh, the Head of Music at Xfm, stated that “We’re delighted that Winter Wonderland will raise awareness and funds for Oxfam’s vital work both in this country and around the world.”

Visit Oxfam’s official site, and stay updated on Winter Wonderland 2008 here.

Neil Finn's New Album Gets Crowded For Oxfam

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:15:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Crowded House frontman Neil Finn has invited a host of well known musicians to join him in recording a new album for charity.

Finn has invited the core band – and a few special guests – from his 2001 Seven Worlds Collide series of live shows and accompanying live album to create a new album at Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand, with proceeds going to support Oxfam.

Guests confirmed so far are Radiohead’s Phil Selway and Ed O’Brien, The Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr, Soul Coughing’s Sebastian Steinberg, multi-instrumentalist Lisa Germano, Wilco members Jeff Tweedy, John Stirratt, Glenn Kotche and Pat Sansone, and New Zealand musicians Liam Finn, Don McGlashan and Bic Runga.

The album will be recorded over Christmas and New Year, and will be accompanied by live performances at Auckland’s Powerstation on 5, 6 and 7 January 2009.

Previous participants in Finn’s Seven Worlds Collide shows include Eddie Vedder from Pearl Jam in 2001.

Sandi Thom Backs Oxfam Campaign

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Scottish singer Sandi Thom has launched a campaign aimed at easing the food crisis in developing countries.

The 27-year-old – who, according to her hit song, wishes she was a punk rocker – is supporting Oxfam’s effort to raise US$27 million to provide relief to African families.

Thom has just returned from a visit to Malawi, where she met with impoverished families.

“My visit to Malawi opened my eyes to the extent of poverty and the harsh reality of how some people live and how rising food prices are affecting them,” she said. “You have to ask yourself what you would do if you were in the situation many Malawians face. If you had a family to feed but the prices were doubling or tripling. The people I met in Malawi, and many millions like them around the world, need people here to show generosity when they need it most.”

Oxfam will use the money for its international development and humanitarian work on food and agriculture, and also to campaign for changes to trade and agricultural policies.

“The world food crisis is hitting the poorest hardest,” said Oxfam’s Malcom Fleming, who accompanied Thom on her trip. “Women and children are especially vulnerable. Many of the people we met in Malawi were already down to one meal a day, and it is expected things will get worse in the months ahead, with food prices possibly rising further still. Whatever the reasons behind the crisis, it’s clear that financial donations made now will help save lives in Malawi and elsewhere around the world in the next few crucial months.”

Be The First To Hear Dido's New Album

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Dido fans listen up: this is your chance to hear the singer’s new album before anybody else in the world!!

To celebrate the release of her brand new album Safe Trip Home, Dido is holding a special auction on eBay.

The star will attend a special listening party at a top-secret luxury location on October 19, and this is your chance to be there. The prize includes accommodation at the location, and all proceeds will go directly to Oxfam.

To make a bid on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, visit eBay. The auction ends on October 15.

Oxfam's Month Of Musical Magic

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

October is Rocktober for Oxfam, with the annual Oxjam festival kicking off and also a new TV advert from Annie Lennox hitting the airwaves.

Oxjam is a UK wide music event organised by the charity Oxfam which took place for the first time in October 2006. Throughout October, hundreds of musical events will be taking place across Great Britain to raise money for Oxfam’s work to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice around the world. To raise awareness of the events, Jarvis Cocker, The Kooks, Fatboy Slim and several other British musicians have created a PSA to encourage music fans to attend gigs or even organize a show for themselves.

Last year’s Oxjam was extremely popular and featured over 3000 gigs across the UK, as well as a special series of shows held in an Oxfam shop in London that featured Jamelia, Fatboy Slim, and The Kooks. Concerts featuring every type of musical genre imaginable were staged, encompassing rock, classical, dance, pop, R&B, rap, techno, and more. Some of the more bazaar events last year included a 12 hour “buskathon”, featuring buskers in 12 British cities, and a “guitar relay”, in which a guitar was taken from one end of the British mainland to the other, and was played at a different Oxjam concert each day on the way.

“Oxjam is all about thousands of small events adding up to something much bigger,” said The Kooks singer, Luke Pritchard. “So it’s great to join in by playing a small acoustic show. Even better, music fans can get involved by coming along to this show or going to a local Oxjam night.”

Also on a musical theme, a new T.V advert – featuring a voiceover by Annie Lennox and music from Muse – has been created by Oxfam for the campaign “Be Humankind.”

The ad has been created to encourage people to take their sense of injustice about the state of the world and do something about it. Oxfam is asking people to tap into their self conscious – that part of them that won’t stand by and watch people suffer – and join their campaign to end poverty. And with nearly half the world living in poverty, Oxfam needs everybody to join them in the fight for a better human race.

To find out more about Oxjam – including where and where events are being held – visit their website. To view this year’s PSA, click here. Annie Lennox’s new TV ad can be found at YouTube.

Coldplay Auction Tickets For Oxfam

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Listen up “Brothers and Sisters”, this will send a “Shiver” down the spines – and possibly even a “Rush of Blood to The Head” – of Coldplay fans everywhere: the Grammy Award-winning British band are auctioning tickets to their upcoming tour of North America and Canada for charity.

You need to click on the Charity Folks website at the “Speed of Sound” to be part of the auction, which will benefit Oxfam. “Don’t Panic”, the auction doesn’t end until October 24 – but you still have to set your “Clocks” to get your bid in early.

More than 1,000 Oxfam volunteers across America have worked at Coldplay shows, introducing more than 100,000 Coldplay fans to Oxfam, which works with over 3,000 partners in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering and injustice. It doesn’t take a “Scientist” to realize the work they do will “Fix You” a better world to live in and “Put a Smile on Your Face”.

So click on the Charity Folks site and make a bid – or at least “Talk” to your friends about it.

“The Hardest Part” is counting the number of Coldplay song titles I worked into this story.

Celebrities Support In My Name

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

will.i.am has worked with more than thirty other celebrities and activists to create an inspiring short film titled Be the Generation, part of the In My Name campaign to end poverty.

The film, which can be viewed at the White Band Action website, explains how people can end poverty in our lifetime if leaders are held accountable to their promises. It is part of a campaign organized by White Band Action ahead of next week’s emergency UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in New York, and a host of activists and celebrities – including Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu , Annie Lennox, John Legend, Rahul Bose, Angélique Kidjo, Scarlett Johansson, Missy Higgins, Emmanuel Jal, Wyclef Jean, Kristin Davis, Fergie and Mischa Barton – have come together for the Global Call to Action Against Poverty (GCAP) to challenge their leaders to keep their promise to halve poverty by 2015.

Black Eyed Peas singer will.i.am has also penned a song for the campaign titled In My Name, which calls on world citizens to exercise their power and demand their governments keep their promises to the worlds poor. The song will be downloadable free of charge from September 25.

“We can be the generation that ends poverty,” said will.i.am. “Politicians promised in 2000 to halve poverty in 15 years. They made this pledge in my name, now they must act to achieve it.”

“Governments must be held accountable for their people and their promises,” added Lennox.

To drive the message home, Kidjo and will.iam will perform ‘In My Name’ live outside the UN buildings in New York on 25 September. They will be joined by Queen Rania of Jordan, UN Secretary General Ban Ki- moon, Ela Bhatt, Mary Robinson, Kristin Davis, Rahul Bose and activists from Africa, Asia and Latin America who will be amongst the first to sign their names to the “In My Name” pledge wall.

“If I put my name to something it means I am committed to its outcome,” said Angelique Kidjo. “I want to see this sort of response from leaders and others with power to effect change. People living in poverty have waited too long and want to see tangible changes in their lives immediately.”

The White Band Action initiative is a global collaboration between the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, Oxfam, Save the Children, and Comic Relief. It is not being run by any single organization, which demonstrates the breadth of commitment to ending poverty and inequality.

“The time for action has never been more urgent,” said Queen Rania. “Rising food prices have plunged 100 million more people into poverty, and the economic slowdown risks eroding political support for development.”

“We’re half way there, and thanks to people’s efforts and the Global Call to Action Against Poverty, there has been real progress,” added Kristin Davis. “There are more children in school. More people are getting essential medicines. But 30,000 children still die every day because of poverty.”

More information about the campaign can be found at www.whitebandaction.org.

Annie Lennox Addresses AIDS Conference

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Following Bill Clinton’s rousing speech at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico, singer Annie Lennox has made an passionate plea for those in power to use their influence to provide better healthcare access for pregnant women.

Lennox used the opportunity to speak to conference attendees – which included many world leaders and policy makers – and address the issue of access of young mothers to treatment to prevent the virus from being passed on to the next generation.

“I feel it is a right of women to be able to give birth safely, and when a woman is HIV positive the baby can obviously have the virus transmitted before being born,” said the singer, who was representing Oxfam at the event. “I think this is a fundamental human right for every woman to have access to treatment and health care, so this is something that I’m actually addressing and talking about while we are here.”

Lennox also added that complacency threatens to slow the fight against Aids, with over 1,000 South Africans dying of AIDS every day.

“People seem to think this problem has disappeared or they are unaware… generations have been wiped out,” she told the conference. “People need to focus on the real world. The feminism of AIDS has ramifications for our whole society. If we cease to respect the mother, we cease to be human and all mankind is in jeopardy. This is a ticking time bomb and it is criminal to let it continue.”

Lennox’s full speech to the XVII International AIDS Conference can be seen here.

Look To The Stars News: Oxfam

Artic Monkeys Release Second Single For Oxfam

Related past articles

Fatboy Slim Jams For Oxfam

Related past articles

Aid Agencies Seek Donations For Samoan Tsunami Vistims

Related past articles

80's Music Superstars ABC To Headline Oxjam Gig

Related past articles

Scarlett Johansson And Colin Firth Auction Experiences For Oxfam

Related past articles

Arctic Monkeys Hide Golden Tickets In New Oxfam Single

Related past articles

President Obama To Award Medals Of Freedom Today

Related past articles

Arctic Monkeys Cry Lightening For Oxfam

Related past articles

Neil Finn Gathers Musical Friends For Charity Album

Related past articles

Celebrities Do Whatever It Takes For Charity

Related past articles

Coldplay Auction Charity Tickets

Related past articles

George Clooney Supports Mia Farrow's Hunger Strike For Darfur

Related past articles

Scarlett Johansson Signs Champagne For Oxfam

Related past articles

Heidi Klum Fronts Oxfam Campaign

Related past articles

Not On Our Watch Donates To Oxfam

Related past articles

Scarlett Johansson And Annie Lennox Sign Oxfam's Climate Letter

Related past articles

Seven Worlds Collide For Oxfam

Related past articles

Annie Lennox - Human Rights Now!

Related past articles

Kaiser Chiefs Walk In An Oxfam Winter Wonderland

Related past articles

Neil Finn's New Album Gets Crowded For Oxfam

Related past articles

Sandi Thom Backs Oxfam Campaign

Related past articles

Be The First To Hear Dido's New Album

Related past articles

Oxfam's Month Of Musical Magic

Related past articles

Coldplay Auction Tickets For Oxfam

Related past articles

Celebrities Support In My Name

Related past articles

Annie Lennox Addresses AIDS Conference

Related past articles