FOLLOWING the violent earthquake that devastated Haiti last week, thousands of good samaritans have opened their hearts and wallets to provide aid for the victims. Joining in the charitable deed are our kind-hearted and oh-so-rich Hollywood celebrities.
If you thought that Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie would be the first to jump on the humanitarian bandwagon helping Haiti, then you’re right. The do-gooders pledged US$1mil (RM3.5mil) to the organisation Doctors Without Borders to help in the rescue and relief effort. All those mouths to feed and still they have money to spare … how can you not love them?
In a statement released by the Brangelina camp, Brad said: ”We understand the first response is critical to serve the immediate needs of countless people who are now displaced from their homes, are suffering trauma, and most require urgent care.”
Also donating US$1mil to the same foundation is Golden Globe winner Sandra Bullock. In a written statement released last week, Sandra said: ”I wanted to ensure that my donation would be used immediately to meet the needs of the Haitian people affected by this catastrophic event.”
Mother of all things Pop, Madonna, donated US$250,000 (RM875,000) and released this statement on Perez Hilton (www.perezhilton.com): ”My prayers are with the people of Haiti. 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 US$250,000 to assist Haiti’s earthquake victims through Partners In Health, one of Haiti’s leading health care 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. Thank you for your support.”
Uhmm … match your contribution, Madonna? Well, not all of us earn millions for our wrinkled hands and singing badly in public, but your generosity didn’t go unnoticed.
And finally, getting in on the action is Michelle Obama, who pledged her support to help the Haitian victims.
”The people of Haiti are struggling just to survive. And every one of us has the power to help… The images from Haiti are heartbreaking. Homes, hospitals and schools are destroyed. Families searching for loved ones, parents trying to feed their children, but we can all do something,” the first lady stated.
Unfortunately, Taylor Momsen won’t be around to give any support to the Haitians. Why? Because she’s busy working on her record (which probably nobody is going to buy anyway).
When a reporter asked Taylor if she planned to follow in the footsteps of celebrities like Brangelina and Wyclef Jean in providing support for Haitians, here’s what she had to say: ”Um, right now I’m trying to just finish my record and getting through the last season of Gossip Girl for right now. So not so much thinking about that.”
She added, ”But it’s awesome that everyone is, ya’ know, working towards a good cause.”
Sharm says: Shut up, Little J. If you think that your record is the most important thing right now then obviously all that peroxide has gone to your head. You obviously have lots to learn from other celebrities who have shown exemplary generosity and that they have a kind heart. P/S I’m not buying your record when it comes out.
* You don’t have to be a celebrity to show kindness. Unicef Malaysia has launched its 2010 Haiti Earthquake Children’s Appeal in aid of those affected by the Haiti earthquake. Those who wish to donate can do so via Unicef’s donation site. For more information, call Unicef at 03-2095 9154.
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