By Tim Saunders on
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.
Copyright © 2010 Look to the Stars
