Look To The Stars News: Oxfam

Annie Lennox Supports Minute For Mothers Campaign

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 07:50:00 -0000

In a release from her official website, Annie Lennox is supporting the Minute for Mothers campaign, an initiative set up by a coalition of leading charities including Save the Children, White Ribbon Alliance, Oxfam, Amnesty International and Mumsnet, which is joining forces with politicians and celebrities this week to hold a minute for mothers across the world.

The event in central London at 10.30am on March 12 sees 3,000 white roses laid across Old Palace Yard opposite parliament to represent the 3,000 pregnant women who will lose their lives this Mother’s Day weekend. Every minute of every day a mother-to-be from somewhere around the world dies simply because they don’t have access to the vital healthcare they need before and during childbirth.

If you can’t attend the event but would like to support it here are some ways you can take action online:

  * Send a virtual flower that acts as an e-action to the three main party leaders.  

Spread the word on Twitter by tweeting this message: Every minute a mother dies. Politicians need 2 b aware that #mothersmatter RT 2 make it a trend b4 Mothers day.

What was your — or your child’s — first word? Find out and update your Facebook status with it. Just the first word, nothing else. Poverty kills childhood. By updating your status you’re showing the world you support Save the Children’s campaign to end it.

Click here to visit the official website to find out more.

Coldplay Appeals For Chilean Earthquake Relief

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British band Coldplay used Twitter last week to encourage fans to support the Red Cross in its earthquake relief work in Chile – and fans responded in such numbers that they crashed the charity’s website!

“Two million people have been affected by the earthquake in Chile – donate towards the Red Cross’s relief work,” wrote singer Chris Martin. The message was followed less than an hour later with: “Amazingly, you folks just crashed the Red Cross’s Chile Appeal donation website – it’s back up now.”

Coldplay is joined in their plea by Leeza Gibbons, who used Facebook to urge fans to give to the relief fund: "Donate $10 to survivors of the Chile earthquake thru @RedCross, text “Chile” to 90999, I’m on the celebrity cabinet, please help if you can!"

To lend your support to the Red Cross as it endeavors to bring relief to the devastated country, click here.

Coldplay is currently touring Latin America, and the band’s favorite charity, Oxfam, has gone with them. To read regular reports from the road, click here.

Star Portraits To Go Under Hammer For Oxfam

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Portraits of a group of British celebrities will go under the hammer for Oxfam in London to benefit woman in West Africa.

Sixteen modern British icons – including Annie Lennox, Sophie Dahl, Yasmin Le Bon, Rosamund Pike, Liberty Ross, Laura Bailey and more – have been captured on canvas by fashion designer Alice Temperley and photographer Adam Whitehead. The pair have reinterpreted Norman Parkinson’s photographs, and the images have been printed on life-size canvas.

“We are very excited about this project and the quest we embarked on in general to produce something entirely different every season to showcase our clothes,” Temperley told VOGUE.COM. “This particular project is very important to me as it also aims to give back to a cause that is close to my heart. Working with all the great talent on this was inspiring and a lot of fun. To me that is what fashion and creativity should ideally be about.”

British Stars Back Robin Hood Tax For Charity

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

British actor Bill Nighy is fronting a campaign to introduce a global tax on banks’ financial transactions to fight poverty.

The Robin Hood Tax is backed by charities such as Oxfam and UNICEF, and is led by writer/director Richard Curtis (Notting Hill).

“You could ignore the big problems facing the world … or you can work to find an innovative, modern, regular way of accumulating a fund of money,” the campaign wrote in an open letter to the leaders of the country’s political parties. “We would ask you to seriously consider the Robin Hood Tax as that radical new option – a small tax on bankers that would make a huge difference to the UK, to the poorest countries and to our planet. Let’s turn the crisis for the banks into an opportunity for Britain and the world.”

The campaign calls on banks to pay a levy of 0.005% on every transaction on international markets. The tax would raise over US$175 billion for charities.

To find out more, and watch a promotional video featuring Bill Nighy, visit RobinHoodTax.org.uk.

Anthony Kiedis Auctions Rare Chili Pepper Items For Charity

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 14:30:00 -0000

Written by Natalia Łajdych

Red Hot Chili Peppers lead singer Anthony Kiedis is “giving away now” a few of his music trophies in online charity auctions.

The framed double gold discs of “Stadium Arcadium” and “Dani California” given to the band in Sweden have gone under the hammer to support Oxfam International and its response to Haiti earthquake. The memorabilia comes from singer’s personal collection and is signed by Anthony on the back: “To Haiti with Love. Anthony Kiedis LOVE 2010”.
Access the auction and photos here. The current bid at time of writing is $750,00 and the lot closes on 23rd February 2010.

In turn, Silverlake Conservatory of Music announced another auction of Anthony Kiedis’ treasure. It’s an award from the New Zealand music industry for 4x platinum sale of “Stadium Arcadium”. The unique piece of history is emblazoned with the traditional Taonga – highly valued culture treasure of Māori. The proceeds will be given to Flea's music school, Silverlake Conservatory of Music. The auction is running 4 more days. Click here for more info.

Who doesn’t want to sing “Give it away give it away give it away now”…?!

Oxfam Auction For Haiti Raises Celebrity Charity Cash

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

The recent Oxfam auction to help survivors of the Haitian earthquake has raised US$190,000 for the charity.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved,” said Emily Eavis, organizer of the auction and of the Glastonbury music festival. “Everyone’s been so generous, it’s fantastic to see how much people care. When we first had the idea of an auction for Haiti I never imagined we would raise so much. This should really help to rebuild some of what was lost.”

The auction featured a massive range of items donated by stars such as Radiohead, Coldplay, Chris Martin, Annie Lennox, Rolf Harris, Pearl Jam, the Arctic Monkeys, Bryan Ferry and many more.

More Stars Join Charitybuzz Heal Haiti Auction

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:00:00 -0000

Taylor Swift, Bono, Kristen Stewart, Lady Gaga and Dakota Fanning are the newest stars participating in the Heal Haiti Charitybuzz Auction.

They are joining celebs including Kate Bosworth, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Lorraine Bracco, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Chris Martin, Larry King, Gisele Bundchen, Tom Brady, Julianne Moore, Paula Abdul, Ben Stiller, Jimmy Kimmel, Heidi Montag, Gilles Marini and David Beckham, who have all donated time, experiences, and coveted collectibles to raise funds for more than a dozen organizations on the ground in Haiti through charitybuzz.

Taylor Swift is auctioning off the dress she wore at the Hope for Haiti telethon to benefit Oxfam International.

Lady Gaga is auctioning off a signed costume from her recent tour to benefit Oxfam International.

Bono is auctioning off a pair of his signed Armani sunglasses to benefit Oxfam International.

Kristen Stewart, Dakota Fanning and dozens of other celebs signed a Ltd. Edition Corina Burton Snowboard that is being auctioned off to benefit the American Red Cross Haitian Relief Fund.

The Heal Haiti Charitybuzz Auction is currently live at www.charitybuzz.com/healhaiti. You can follow on twitter at @charitybuzz for the latest updates.

Bid On Dane Cook Tickets For Charity

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Dane Cook's ISolated Incident, the biggest comedy tour of the last year, is coming to a close and thanks to Charity Folks’ online auction, you can be there.

Winning bidders will join Dane on Feb 5th in Jacksonville and Feb 6th in Miami for his final blowout Super Bowl Saturday show. They’ll catch Dane’s edgiest set ever with front row tickets & backstage passes to meet him after the show.

Proceeds will benefit Oxfam America’s work to provide water, latrines, plastic sheeting, cash, and relief materials to survivors both within Haiti and in hard-hit outlying areas. Visit charityfolks.com/danecook to view the auction. Bidding ends Wednesday, Feb 3rd, at 3pm EST

Stars Line Up For Charity Folks Haitian Auction

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Charity Folks, the world’s leading celebrity charity auction site, has launched a number of once-in-a-lifetime auctions to benefit victims of the Haiti earthquake.

Items include the opportunity to meet Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers and John Legend, private cooking lessons with Gail Simmons and Sam Talbot, invitations to the exclusive 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, items signed by Susan Sarandon, NBA tops signed by Nate Robinson and David Lee, a Rescue Me script signed by Denis Leary and the entire cast, and much more.

Proceeds will go to a variety of charities, including Mercy Me, Friends of the Orphans, Oxfam and the Red Cross.

Charity Folks are world leaders at raising cash quickly for those in need – they raised $650,000 for the Red Cross within weeks of Hurricane Katrina – and they hope to have a similar impact in Haiti.

To find out what is on offer and make a bid, visit the Charity Folks website now.

Oxfam Launches Celebrity Charity Auction For Haiti

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:20:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Oxfam UK has launched a massive celebrity charity auction to raise much-needed funds for their work in Haiti.

Coldplay and Chris Martin are leading the charge by donating a Viva La Vida tour jacket, with Dido, Status Quo and PJ Harvey also donating used clothes. Annie Lennox has donated one of her favorite paintings, while Rolf Harris has donated a painting he created himself. The Arctic Monkeys have donated a guitar, and there are items from the Pet Shop Boys, Pearl Jam, Placebo, Bryan Ferry, Mika and many more.

You can also pick up items from Radiohead, who played a special gig in Los Angeles during the weekend to raise cash for the charity. Held at the Music Box Theatre At The Fonda, the gig included the debut of a new song – Lotus Flower – previously only performed at Thom Yorke’s solo shows.

To take part in the auction, click here.

More Celebrities Join Charity Buzz Heal Haiti Auction

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

More celebrities have donated items to Charity Buzz’s Heal Haiti Charity Auction.

Joining Paula Abdul – who is auctioning a signed copy of the Michael Jackson Opus – are Chris Martin and Larry King.

Chris Martin is auctioning off a signed Coldplay Platinum Viva La Vida Album and a concert-worn shirt to benefit Oxfam International, while Larry King is auctioning off 3 more pairs of his signature suspenders to benefit the same charity.

The Charitybuzz Heal Haiti Auction is currently live at www.charitybuzz.com/healhaiti. More items and experiences donated by A-list stars will be added every day, including Ben Stiller, Jimmy Kimmel, Gilles Martini and Selena Gomez.

Hope For Haiti Now Breaks Charity Records

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:45:00 -0000

Friday night’s Hope for Haiti Now telethon, organized by George Clooney, has so far raised more than $57 million for the earthquake relief effort in Haiti.

Besides setting a record for the most money raised by a disaster relief telethon, the charity’s Hope for Haiti album – featuring performances on the telethon — became the largest one-day album pre-order in iTunes history.

Performers included: Robert Pattinson, Christina Aguilera, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Bruce Springsteen, Halle Berry, Julia Roberts, Taylor Swift, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Madonna among others.

The money will be split between 8 organizations: Oxfam America, Partners in Health, the Red Cross, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, Yéle Haiti Foundation and the Clinton-Bush Haiti Foundation.

Hope for Haiti is accepting donations for the next 6 months online at hopeforhaitinow.org, by phone at 877-99-Haiti or by texting GIVE to 50555.

George Clooney Brings Hope To Haiti Tonight

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:30:00 -0000

It will be a big night for charity tonight, as George Clooney's Hope For Haiti telethon hits TV screens across America and around the world.

Hosted by Clooney, Wyclef Jean and Anderson Cooper, the show will feature performances from Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder and Taylor Swift in New York, as well as Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Sting, Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles. There will even be performances from Coldplay, Bono, Jay-Z, The Edge and Rihanna in London.

All performances will be available for download on iTunes for 99 cents on Saturday. The two-hour program will air commercial-free across ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT on Friday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The special will also air on PBS, TNT, Showtime, Comedy Central, Bravo, E! Entertainment Network, National Geographic Channel, Oxygen, G4, Centric, Current TV, Fuse, MLB Network, Epix, Palladia, SoapNet, Style, Discovery Health and Planet Green, as well as Canada’s CTV, CBC Television, Global Television and MuchMusic. It will also air internationally on BET International, CNN International, National Geographic and MTV Networks International, available in 640 million homes worldwide. “Hope for Haiti” will be the first U.S.-based telethon airing on MTV in China. Facebook and Twitter are the official social media partners who will help to drive donations and tune-in to the telethon.

All donations will directly benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti Foundation. Facebook and MySpace have signed on as official social-media partners to help steer viewers to the telethon and drive donations.

Additionally, the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and World Food Programme have joined the list of relief organizations that will benefit from the show, with proceeds to be split evenly among each organization’s individual Haiti relief funds.

“Hope For Haiti Now” will be the most widely distributed telethon in history, internationally and across media platforms, including live streaming globally on sites including YouTube, Hulu, MySpace, Fancast, AOL, MSN.com, Yahoo, Bing.com, BET.com, MTV.com, and Rhapsody, and RightCelebrity.com will be streaming the show live with a donation of 1 cent to the American Red Cross for every person who joins their live blog. The telethon is also available on mobile via Alltel, AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, and FloTV.

Download Rihanna For Charity

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 12:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Rihanna appeared on a special episode of the Oprah Show on Wednesday to perform her version of Bob Marley’s Redemption Song.

The song is currently available on iTunes, RihannaNow.com and Oprah.com, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross, UNICEF, Oxfam and Partners in Health.

The singer appeared on the show with R&B singer Maxwell, whose song Fistful of Tears is also available for charity download from Oprah.com.

Also on the show was Wyclef Jean, who talked about his recent trip to Haiti and his first-hand account of the devastation.

Jackie Chan, Scarlett Johansson, Serena Williams - Haiti Charity News

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 19:55:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Jackie Chan was in the recording studio yesterday to record a special song in honor of eight Chinese peacekeepers killed in the Haiti earthquake.

The action star/singer has recorded “To Welcome You Home” with pop star Tan Jing. The song was written by the same team who wrote Love Through Life and Death for victims of the Sichuan earthquake.

Actress Scarlett Johansson has also been busy organizing earthquake relief, and has launched an online charity auction to raise funds for Oxfam.

You and three guests have the chance to meet the actress backstage on the opening night of her new play, A View From The Bridge, on Sunday January 24, at Cory Theatre in New York City.

The auction runs until January 22, and can be accessed here.

Tennis star Serena Williams has also launched an auction to raise money for Haiti. She’s selling a load of her personal clothing and memorabilia to raise $92,000 for relief efforts.

The star is using her Serena Williams Foundation to help, and the total she wants to raise is the same as the fine she was handed for her on-court outburst at the US Open in September – an idea that came after the International Tennis Federation refused to donate some of her initial fine to charity.

The auction will run for 92 days, with new items being added weekly. Other items include a CD signed by Taylor Swift, an autographed jersey from NBA player Steve Nash, an autographed skateboard from Ryan Sheckler, and an autographed jersey from NBA player Carmelo Anthony just to name a few.

Take part in the auction by clicking here.

George Clooney Announces Haiti Telethon Stars

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

George Clooney has revealed some of the big names he has recruited for this Friday’s Telethon for Haiti.

The show will be broadcast around the world on January 22, and will be hosted by Clooney in LA, Wyclef Jean in New York, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper in Haiti. Donations will go to Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti Foundation.

The line-up so far includes U2's Bono, Alicia Keys, Sting, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera and many more yet to be announced.

“We’re doing a telethon on all the channels, every network in the country and international as well,” said Clooney. "It’s an unbelievable show. Bono’s written a song for it and songs are going to available on iTunes that night.

“People in Haiti have absolutely nothing. There are times when, as bad as it is for many people in this country, people also realise how much worse it is for them and they are very compassionate.”

Celebrities’ Quick Response To Haiti Disaster

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:00 -0000

Written by Elizabeth Willoughby

Here’s what some celebrities are up to, in response to the earthquake disaster that has destroyed Port-au-Prince and devastated Haiti:

Don Cheadle, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Brad Pitt: "The people of Haiti are in desperate need of help. Our organization, Not On Our Watch, will do whatever it can and we know the international community will as well." Not On Our Watch has donated $1 million in emergency response funds to provide medical services to victims of the disaster.

Wyclef Jean: "Yéle Haiti Foundation has pulled together a group of like minded organizations and first responders in order to help coordinate the delivery of emergency services and materials needed by victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Each of the organizations will undertake their own fundraising and on-the-ground operations, but have agreed to share resources, collaborate when it makes sense and avoid duplication." Four airlifts of medical and emergency supplies and food have already gone out. ONEXONE, one of the like minded organizations, has also already shipped medical supplies, water and blankets for on-the-ground support.

Associated Press reports that George Clooney will also host a multi-network telethon on Friday from Los Angeles, while Wyclef Jean will co-host from New York, to raise money for Jean’s Yele Haiti Foundation, UNICEF, Oxfam, Partners in Health and the Red Cross relief efforts. Anderson Cooper will host segments live from Haiti.

Lenny Kravitz: “Visit SaveHaitiSaturday.com and let’s support Project MediShare’s doctors. They’re out there saving lives in Haiti. I know these people personally. They’ve been working in Haiti for over 20 years. They go there on a regular basis. And they’re all down there on the ground right now, trying to save lives. Time is of the essence.”

Alyssa Milano, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, wrote to the Huffington Post, “I cried, and then I did the only thing I could do…I wrote a check to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF for $50,000.” Now she has issued a challenge on Twitter for corporations to match her donation.

Ben Stiller: “Haiti is one of the poorest countries in the world, which will make their recovery from this disaster extremely difficult.” His Stillerstrong charity has been working with Save the Children to build a school in Haiti, but to address the disaster will redirect all donations to UN agencies in order to provide emergency relief as quickly as possible.

Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Eddie Izzard, Angelina Jolie and Madonna have also made generous donations to various charities playing major roles in the emergency efforts.

A Weekend Of Celebrity Giving To Haiti

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 05:00:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

Actress Sandra Bullock is the latest star to give big to Haitian earthquake relief over a weekend defined by donations of time and money.

The star has matched last week’s donation of $1 million from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

“I wanted to ensure that my donation would be used immediately to meet the needs of the Haitian people affected by this catastrophic event,” she said. Her donation went to Doctors Without Borders.

She has been joined over the weekend by Madonna, who gave $250,000 to Partners in Health.

“My prayers are with the people of Haiti,” she said. “I can’t imagine the terrible pain and suffering they are experiencing. Sadly the depths of the tragedy are just becoming known and the need for our support grows more urgent with every passing moment. I have given a donation of $250,000 to assist Haiti’s earthquake victims through Partners in Health, one of Haiti’s leading healthcare providers. I urge all of my friends and fans around the world to join me collectively to match my contribution or give in any way you can. We must act now.”

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen also dipped into deep pockets for the cause, handing over $1.5 million to the Red Cross.

“I am heartbroken by the catastrophic events of the past six days in Haiti. It is important in times like these that we come together and find ways to help in any way we can,” she said.

Meanwhile, Wyclef Jean and Anderson Cooper will co-host George Clooney's MTV telethon this Friday – Clooney will be in LA, Jean in New York, and Cooper will be live in Haiti. Donations will go to Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti Foundation.

“I’m going to be doing the thing that George [Clooney] is organizing; the telethon,” said British actress Emily Blunt. “But I think, really, it’s just about everyone — everyone — needs to jump in. Everyone needs to get involved in whatever way they can. So, I think I’m just going to research the best way to help.”

Joe Jonas from the Jonas Brothers is taking his giving one step further – he plans to visit the country and help out.

“[I can get there] either this Tuesday or, like, two or three weeks from now,” he said. “I can’t promise I’m going to go, but I’m going to try,” he insisted. “I really want to be able to support in any way I can; I was going to go to Haiti before, to do similar work there. But now it’s obviously a completely different thing and my heart goes out to those people there and the families and everything. I just pray that everybody’s all right, and I’m going to try and do my best by getting there. And I would definitely say, if anyone can give money or support, it’s the perfect way to do it.”

John Travolta has also dug deep to help the relief efforts: “I have arranged for a plane to take down some volunteer ministers and some supplies and some medics. I hope that inspires others as well. It’s needed.”

Actress Kerry Washington has put her efforts into helping struggling mothers in Haiti through V-Day: “We have a safe house in Haiti for women who are survivors of domestic violence. Our president just asked [George] Bush and [Bill] Clinton to come together for a fund.”

Sports stars are also lining up to lend a hand – tennis star Roger Federer has organized a massive tennis event featuring stars such as Rafael Nadal, Andy Roddick, Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams and Samantha Stosur to take place at the Australian Open.

“The entry fee is a minimum donation of $10,” he said. "This should be fun and it’s for a great cause.

“I think it’s something as a tennis family we’re very happy to do. I know it’s on the eve of the first Grand Slam of the season, so for some it’s not so easy maybe mentally to separate a few things — but I think it’s a great initiative.

“The devastating earthquake which hit Haiti on Tuesday measured 7.0 on the Richter Scale and has left tens of thousands of people dead. The United Nations has launched an appeal for hundreds of millions of dollars to try to help around three million people in need.”

90210 star AnnaLynne McCord was volunteering in Haiti in December, and has opened a Twitter page to appeal to fans to give.

“Okay everybody!” she wrote. "Time to get busy! Haiti needs our help, desperately! I was there 3 weeks ago volunteering with Artists for Peace and Justice. Please donate to them!"

Lady Gaga has also made use of Twitter to encourage fans to give to the cause – she announced that she will use her January 24 concert as a fundraiser.

“Jan 24th is GAGA FOR HELPING HAITI day,” she wrote. “Go to www.ladygaga.com on the 24th + 100% of all merchandise purchased goes to earthquake relief. Monies will be donated immediately, spread the word around the world so we can raise as much money as possible.  ”Little monsters attending the Monsterball on the 24th: all ticket + and merch/cd profit will be donated. Save your money. Help save a life."

The concert is at the Radio City Music Hall in New York.

LookToTheStars.org will keep you updated with all celebrity charity news relating to the Haitian earthquake as it comes to hand.

Celebrities Support Earthquake Victims In Haiti

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:22:00 -0000

Written by Tim Saunders

A host of celebrities have come out in support of the Haitian earthquake that devastated the island nation this week.

As reported earlier by www.LookToTheStars.org, within hours of the quake, Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean had organized support for victims. He was soon joined by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who told JustJared.com: “We are devastated by the news from Haiti. We will work closely with our good friend Wyclef Jean to support the humanitarian efforts on the island and help those who have been injured and left without homes and shelter.”

Now Coldplay singer Chris Martin and Glastonbury Music Festival organizer Emily Eavis are urging people to donate to Oxfam's appeal for victims.

“I visited Haiti with Oxfam a few years ago,” said Martin. “It’s a country of extreme poverty and brutal living conditions. Most people in Port-au-Prince live in tin shacks. The earthquake that has struck Haiti will have turned the city into an unimaginable hell. The people of Haiti will be desperate for help and assistance.”

“I visited Haiti with Oxfam in 2002 and it’s the poorest place I’ve ever been by a long way,” added Eavis. “It seems doubly unfair that it should be hit by such a devastating earthquake, especially after the hurricanes of the last two years. They do not have the resources needed to cope with a disaster of this scale, that is what makes this so much worse.”

You can make a donation to Oxfam’s appeal here.

State Radio Is Calling All Crows For Charity

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0000

State Radio frontman and former Dispatch member Chad Stokes took to the stage with “Some Good Friends” this past weekend at Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA for the second annual Calling All Crows benefit shows.

These shows wove together music with a message, celebrating the accomplishments of Calling All Crows’ first year in action, including 600 fans volunteering over 3,000 hours at local service projects across the country and a year long effort from State Radio and their fans to raise $100,000 for Oxfam America’s Darfur Stoves project. The Calling All Crows team (pictured above) presented the check on Saturday night, December 12, to Bog Ferguson of Oxfam America.

“Oxfam America’s partnership with State Radio and Calling All Crows on our Darfur Stoves project has been meaningful from day one,” Ferguson remarked. “Like Oxfam, the band and their organization are all about creating partners and activists to help make our globe a better place. Their work on this project will impact 5000 families in Darfur for the better, and proves the motto of Oxfam America’s concert outreach program that ‘music can change the world.’”

The donation will provide 5,000 fuel-efficient stoves that will decrease the number of trips Sudanese women need to make away from their refugee camps to collect firewood and, in turn, decrease their risk of becoming victims of rape and assault.

Stokes, co-founded Calling All Crows last year with his long-time partner and tour manager Sybil Gallagher. A service organization dedicated to mobilizing musicians and their fans to promote human rights, Calling All Crows has developed a unique engagement model, empowering musicians, fans, and service partners to serve side-by-side to create change. Globally, the organization seeks to end violence against women through humanitarian relief. Locally, they aim to inspire public service through hands-on volunteerism.

The 2nd Annual Calling All Crows Benefit Weekend consisted of unique performances, community service and special announcements. Friday evening (Dec 11) featured performances from Stokes, fellow Dispatch bandmate Pete Francis, with Jay Driscoll of Barefoot Truth on weissenborn slide guitar, Matt Embree of Rx Bandits, and State Radio’s Michael “Maddog” Najarian, who traded his usual drum kit for acoustic guitar. The artists came together at the end of the night for a cover of The Band’s “Ophelia.”

Artists and fans joined AmeriCorps members with City Year Boston early on Saturday (Dec 12) morning for a transformative day of service at Bridge Over Troubled Waters, a home for runaway and homeless youth. That evening at the Armory included the return of Embree, who opened his soulful “Overcome” with a tip of the hat to Stokes with a tease of State Radio’s “Camilo.” Saturday’s bill also featured sets by The White Buffalo and Stephen Kellogg, culminating in an encore featuring the entire lineup on Jim Croce’s “Bad, Bad LeRoy Brown” and The Band’s “Up On Cripple Creek.”

Saturday evening, Calling All Crows also announced its plans for 2010, including a goal of 10,000 service hours, pre-show service projects on State Radio’s European Tour in March, and a unique service trip for a select group of fans. Calling All Crows’ inaugural Alternative Spring Break Tour will host 10 fans on a week-long bus tour through Texas and Louisiana with service projects during the day and shows every night. Next year’s humanitarian fundraising commitment will be announced when State Radio kicks off their Winter Tour on January 14th in Tucson, AZ.

Artic Monkeys Release Second Single For Oxfam

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

Written by Delinda Lombardo

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.

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