World Vision Australia ambassadors Hugh Jackman and Deborra-lee Furness treated the business community to entertainment and a coffee at a gala fundraising event this week.
Credit/Copyright: World Vision Australia
Around 250 guests attended the Seeds of Hope Gala Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne and raised critical funds and awareness for World Vision’s economic development work around the world.
Credit/Copyright: World Vision Australia
Longstanding World Vision ambassador Melissa Doyle of Sunrise hosted the African-themed evening and shared stories of her emotional first-time meeting with sponsor child Elyas in Ethiopia last year.
Credit/Copyright: World Vision Australia
Hugh Jackman, the Tony and Emmy Award-winning star of Les Miserables, said working with World Vision had inspired both himself and wife Deborra-lee to start the socially responsible coffee company Laughing Man Worldwide.
“While in Ethiopia with World Vision in 2009, Deb and I met a young coffee farmer named Dukale. His story inspired us to launch Laughing Man – a fair-trade coffee, tea and chocolate retailer in the USA,” Hugh said. “Laughing Man sources its products from farmers like Dukale and donates 100 per cent of its profits to charities like World Vision.”
Deborra-lee Furness said: "We’ve been fortunate to visit Cambodia and Ethiopia with World Vision and have been moved by the children and families we’ve met – their fortitude and courage in the face of heartbreaking poverty is staggering.
“Hugh and I are committed to making a difference however we can, and are pleased to be able to pass on our experiences in the hope it inspires others to act to help alleviate poverty.”
World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello said Hugh and Deborra-lee are long-time supporters of World Vision, and with their own children sponsor several children from around the world.
“We’re extremely grateful for Hugh and Deb’s generous ongoing support,” Mr Costello said. “Many guests were touched and impressed by their dedication for turning a promise to a coffee farmer in Ethiopia into a social business.”
The ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne was transformed with African-inspired decorations and music, and traditional Ethiopian coffee was provided by Hugh and Deborra-lee’s Laughing Man.
The dinner was supported by major event partners Grand Hyatt Melbourne and the Australian New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance.
Hugh is in Australia shooting The Wolverine, the latest instalment of the X-Men series. Deborra-lee is in Australia for National Adoption Awareness Week from November 11th, 2012
