Relief Organizations Raise Money for Japan

It has been just over a month since the devastating tragedy struck Japan, leaving tens of thousands of people dead or homeless. Since then, various relief organizations around the world have been raising money to help restore a decent quality of life to the Japanese people and to clear the wreckage created by the recent natural disasters.  Recent efforts include a charity concert held on April 11^th in Hawaii, during which a bevy of stars from around the world gathered to support Kokua For Japan, a crowdfunding event designed to raise funds for Japan.  Among those present were Jack Johnson, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson and Mick Fleetwood.  The event raised a total of $1.6 million.

Relief Organizations Pull Together

The American Red Cross is just one of the international aid organizations raising money for Japan and it is at the forefront of the effort.  The American Red Cross is, in turn, donating funds to the Japanese Red Cross.  To date, the American Red Cross has committed $100 million to its sister agency.

“Kokua for Japan was truly a labor of love to show our care and concern for the people of Japan,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi of the Red Cross’ Hawaii branch.  “We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support that Hawaii’s people have shown today.  Their compassion will give strength to humanitarian efforts in Japan as we help them recover from this terrible tragedy.  We want to thank everyone involved in this event for their wonderful contribution to the cause of humanity.”

Supporters of Kokua For Japan may still donate online to relief organizations through the American Red Cross.

Adam Lambert Supports Micro Charity

First, Justin Bieber did it.  Now, Adam Lambert has done it as well.  Both performers have asked fans and supporters to send money to a micro charity in honor of their birthdays.  Bieber asked for $17,000 for his 17^th birthday.  Likewise, Adam Lambert has asked for $29,000 for his annual celebration.

Like Bieber, Lambert’s supporters have gone above and beyond – more than the American Idol star could have predicted.  At the last count, Lambert’s call for online donations far exceeded his goal.  The $29,000 mark was broken in two days, leading Lambert to make a bold move and raise the goal to $290,000.  Even Lambert was surprised when the campaign’s total reached $323,255.  The funds raised by Lambert’s fans will be earmarked for helping poor people worldwide via the organization charity: water.

“I am so excited to be a part of charity: water and able to give back to those in need,” said Lambert.

Lambert’s Micro Charity

Lambert’s charity of choice is charity:water, an organization that brings safe, clean water to people living in developing nations.  Thus far the charity has funded more than 3,800 water projects throughout the world.  It is estimated that over 1,742,000 people throughout 17 countries have been helped over the past four years since the organization’s inception.  Additionally, charity:water has raised in excess of $22 million to promote education and awareness, as well to operate the charity and fund new and ongoing water projects.

While Lambert’s campaign may have ended, supporters are encouraged to donate online to enable charity:water to continue helping poor people worldwide.

Even Celebrities like Nicholas Cage Need Foreclosure Help

Foreclosure Help: The economy has been hard on homeowners across the country and celebrities are no exception.  A new report from FamilyFinancialHelpUSA.com reports that three major stars have struggled with losing one or more of their homes due to the economic downturn.  In some cases the stars were actually evicted after being unable to come up with the necessary funds to pay mortgages, taxes or both.

One of the celebrities hit the hardest was Academy Award winner Nicholas Cage.  Cage lost two homes in New Orleans.  The homes, foreclosed in November 2009, were worth $6.8 million combined.  Regions Banks purchased the houses for $4.5 million.

Erin Moran, Joanie Cunningham in the sitcom Happy Days, was forced to leave her Palmdale, California home this past summer because of a $315,930 debt.

Lisa Wu-Hartwell, one of Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, filed for foreclosure along with her husband, Edgerton Hartwell, a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders.  The couple purchased their $2.9 million home in 2009.  Bank of America picked it up for $1.9 million at a foreclosure sale.

How to Get Foreclosure Help

In many cases banks will work with the homeowner or offer some sort of housing assistance while financial issues are resolved. Although it is not an ideal solution, homeowners may also find it necessary to file for bankruptcy. If the issues have not been resolved within a specific time frame, the homeowner may have to look into other type of foreclosure help including emergency financial assistance from family and friends.

Stars Help Charity Organizations Celebrate Birthdays

Charity Organizations News: The American Cancer Society believes that everyone deserves to have his birthday recognized.  In addition to being “the official sponsor of birthdays,” the American Red Cross is also at the forefront of crowdfunding efforts that strive to educate minorities on their risks for cancer.  April is Minority Healthy Month.  In honor of the celebration, Boyz II Men has agreed to reach out to others with their own version of “Happy Birthday.”

The Grammy award-winning R&B group joins the long list of noted African American and Hispanic artists in raising awareness in ethnic minority communities.  The group also feels it is important to inform people about the American Cancer Society and the great strides it has made in battling an often incurable disease.

“We’ve all been touched by cancer through family members, friends and our fans,” said Boyz II Men singer Nathan Morris.  “When we learned that cancer continues to take a greater toll on the black community than on other ethnic groups, we felt compelled to lend our voices to the American Cancer Society to help the organization in its fight to create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

Partnering with Charity Organizations

The “Happy Birthday” campaign went into effect in September of 2010.  Since then, the following people have given their talents to help people through song, helping various charity organizations: Fishbone, Fitz & The Tantrums, Ricky Martin, Jordin Sparks, Aaron Neville and Gloria Gaynor, Rihanna, Darius Rucker, Usher, Sean Kingston, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and actor Craig Robinson.

Humanitarian Relief Organizations Honor Celebs

It seems to be the time of year in which humanitarian relief organizations honor celebrities for their contributions to non-profit charity organizations through time, money and support in alleviating the suffering of those in dire financial need.

One of those organizations is the American Red Cross.  The Red Cross has been in the spotlight a great deal lately due to its efforts to help the victims of the disasters in Japan, Haiti and New Zealand.  On April 9th, the Red Cross will take a moment to honor several people that have made huge contributions to one of the top relief organizations in the country.

Humanitarian Relief Show Appreciation

On April 9th, the Red Cross will hold its Red Tie Affair to honor superstar Betty White, actor Josh Duhamel and the outstanding team of medical specialists and doctors from Saint John’s Health Center.  The event is scheduled to take place at Santa Monica’s Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows.

Legendary comedienne Betty White will receive the 2011 “Crystal Cross Award” for her ongoing contributions to the welfare of animals, an increasingly important part of the Red Cross’ rescue efforts.

Josh Duhamel will also be the recipient of a “Crystal Cross Award” for his humanitarian efforts.  Duhamel organized a Youth Run for Haiti, which raised a significant amount of money to help people affected by the Haitian tragedy.

The extraordinary team of medical experts from Saint John’s Health Center will be presented with The Crocker “Spirit of Volunteerism Award” for giving their time and talents to assisting humanitarian relief organizations on behalf of the victims in Haiti.

Patricia Heaton Gives Online Charity Donation Support

Patricia Heaton is best known for her work on the hit comedy Everybody Loves Raymond, and her current role in the sitcom The Middle.  Heaton has stepped up to support social media as a way of making online donations to worthy causes such as Reece’s Rainbow.  Heaton has stated that she will make an online charity donation for every person that follows the feed for Reece’s Rainbow on Twitter.  She will donate $1 for every follower up to $10,000.

“I know there can be big pitfalls to social media, but I will be forever grateful to the tweeter who alerted me to the work of Reece’s Rainbow” said Heaton. Reece’s Rainbow is an outreach program aimed at serving families with babies with Down syndrome. “I clicked on a link to see the faces of those little neglected angels who have passed on, and immediately started weeping.  It was so heartbreaking.”  She went on to say that sometimes people felt helpless in the face of such horror, however, thanks to Andrea Roberts’ example, they could see that with a lot of perseverance and hard work, anyone can make a difference.

How to Make an Online Donation

People may donate via Twitter or through the agency’s website.  It is an easy way to support an online charity while maintaining a busy schedule like Heaton’s. Heaton said: “I am involved in supporting various charitable organizations, but I have recently been asking God to show me where he wants me to be.”  She added that the online charity donation scheme for Reece’s Rainbow was an answer to her prayer.

Buy Dog Tags to Make a Donation

Polo Ralph Lauren is helping those wanting to make a donation by joining together with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research with the aim of raising awareness and educating the public about Parkinson’s disease. Providing them with a unique way to give to charity, together the groups have designed an exclusive limited-edition dog tag to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

The dog tags will be sold from the beginning in April, which is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and one hundred percent of the proceeds from the dog tags sales will go to support the Foundation.

“The dog tag offers a simple, yet meaningful way to get involved and express solidarity with the millions of Parkinson’s patients and their loved ones worldwide” said Tracy Pollan, Foundation board member and Michael J. Fox’s wife.

Shopping to Make a Donation

Giving to charity organizations has never been so easy.  The dog tags have been designed by Polo Ralph Lauren with input from the Michael J. Fox Foundation.  The tag is made from vintage nickel-plated brass, which reflects Ralph Lauren’s timeless style.  The tags are also stamped in a traditional way and include inscriptions supporting the cause, such as “Be Involved,” “Be Inspired” and “Be Bold.”  Also appearing on the tags is the signature Foundation logo.  This limited-edition dog tag is available at RalphLauren.com, select Ralph Lauren stores, and Rugby.com.  The price of the customized dog tag is $95.00.  Consumers will have a stylish tag and personal accessory while managing giving to a worthwhile cause.

For more information about the dog tags and the effort to cure Parkinson’s disease, visit www.MichaelJFox.org.

Celebrities and Micro Donations can Help to Prevent Child Abuse

Micro Donations: April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.  For the 28^th year, various charity organizations have gathered together to raise awareness about child abuse through education and prevention programs.  This year celebrities and popular media outlets such as Ellen DeGeneres, Vicente Neil, Michael Bloomberg, American Idol, NY Nets, and Dancing with the Stars have stepped up to support breaking the cycle of child abuse.  Part of that support includes donating items and experiences to Love Our Children USA’s upcoming auction, which runs from April 6^th to 28^th.  People may bid or make online donations at www.charitybuzz.com.

This year also marks the 8^th annual GET BLUE Campaign – a nationwide effort to promote Child Abuse Prevention.  Love Our Children USA is urging people across the country to don blue ribbons in support of the campaign.  The campaign is designed to educate families, friends, communities and caregivers about child abuse and neglect by breaking the cycle that perpetuates the crime against helpless victims.  It also teaches people how to act in the face of child abuse through contacting various professional and charity organizations equipped to help with legal and counseling issues.

Love Our Children USA Founder and CEO, Ross Ellis said “Child abuse has reached epidemic proportions and the unnecessary tragedies we’ve seen in the last year calls for educating the public immediately and often.”

Making Micro Donations

People considering sending micro donations to agencies such as Love Our Children USA can rest assured that their contributions will help combat abuse against children, breaking the cycle of violence; people can make online donations at the charity’s website.

David Hyde Pierce Calls for Charity Donations

Emmy and Tony award winning actor David Hyde Pierce, best known for his role in the TV sitcom Frasier and his generous charity donations, will serve as the emcee for the 8th annual National Alzheimer’s Gala to be held in Washington D.C. on April 6th^, 2011.

The National Alzheimer’s Gala is an annual black-tie fundraising dinner extravaganza designed to benefit the education, care and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association.  The gala’s proceeds will also benefit the charity organization’s support programs.  Each year, the Alzheimer’s Association is supported by some of the most respected and influential people in political, business, entertainment, philanthropic, media and social arenas.  These leaders gather together to help celebrate advances in the ongoing fight against Alzheimer’s disease.  More than 750 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

To date, the annual National Alzheimer’s Gala event has raised over $9 million.  The funds have been used to address the growing number of people reported to have Alzheimer’s disease.  All throughout the year the Alzheimer’s Association supplies funds to support cutting-edge research with the hope of finding a cure for this mysterious illness.  The donations raised via the annual gala and the charity’s website help to increase awareness while addressing the needs of millions of Alzheimer’s sufferers and their caregivers.

Making Charity Donations

For those that cannot attend the gala but would like to still support the Alzheimer’s Association, making charity donations is easy – donors can make online donations at http://www.alz.org.

How to Help People Through Happy House

How to Help People: Nancy Cartwright is best known as being the voice of Bart Simpson on the long-running show The Simpsons.  What many people do not know is that Cartwright is also Honorary Mayor in the North Valley and the co-founder of Happy House.

Happy House is a charitable organization that focuses on helping families lead better lives.  The program is non-denominational and serves only as a guide for its participants. According to Cartwright “We use the 21 common sense values found in ‘The Way to Happiness’ as a base.  People from all walks of life, regardless of their race, religion or ethnic background, have used these tips to help themselves and others live happier, calmer and more productive lives.”

Poker Shows How to Help People

Poker may seem like an unlikely way to launch a fundraising campaign but Happy House makes it work.  For the past five years the organization has managed to give to charity through its gaming sessions.  This year marks the 6^th year of the Happy House Poker Tournament and BBQ at Cartwright’s home in Northridge, California.  The proceeds of the event will be given to Happy House and the Happy House Good Choices Program.

A sum of $60 will allow players to buy in and take part in the festivities along with poker pro Kenna James and celebrities like Camryn Manheim.  There are also many other activities including games for children.  Children under 12 are admitted free. Players arrive at Cartwright’s home at 12 noon and play begins at 1 PM.

Crowdfunding Through Celebrity World Music

Crowdfunding News: People all over the world are getting together to do what they can for the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.  Many online charity organizations have been relying on crowdfunding and micro donations to help raise money for those affected by the natural disasters.  One of the most recent efforts made by world musicians is the release of a compilation album titled, “Songs for Japan.”  The album will include 38 hits and classic pieces by world artists such as Sting, Elton John, Shakira and John Lennon.

Crowdfunding With Music

Songs for Japan will be released as a digital album.  It will be available on iTunes worldwide for $9.99.  Proceeds from this crowdfunding project will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS).  The Red Cross will use the proceeds to provide immediate disaster relief for the victims of the disaster.

All of the artists whose work appears on the album have waived all royalties.  The music labels and publishers have followed suit so that the JRCS will receive as much money as possible.  iTunes will also donate all of the proceeds from the sale.

Some of the songs appearing on the album are:

John Lennon “Imagine,” Bob Dylan “Shelter From The Storm,” Justin Timberlake “Like I Love You,” Josh Groban “Awake,” Lady Antebellum “I Run To You,” Black Eyed Peas “One Tribe,” Foo Fighters “My Hero,” Elton John “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” John Mayer “Waiting On The World To Change” and Sting “Fragile.”

International crowdfunding projects like these will go a long way to providing funds for helping disaster relief efforts in Japan.

Celebrities Embrace Volunteering Opportunities

Volunteering Opportunities: The National Mother’s Day Committee will be holding its Outstanding Mother Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 5th, at New York’s Pierre Hotel.  The Luncheon, now in its 33^rd year, honors mothers that have given their time, talent and skills to helping various charity organizations.

This year’s honorees are:

• Joyce Armeli, GMM & SVPG, The Bon-Ton Stores, Inc.
• Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Senator – New York.
• Donna Karan, Donna Karan New York.
• Cindi Leive, Glamour Magazine Editor-in-Chief.
• Susan Sarandon, Academy Award winning actress and activist.

The National Mother’s Day Committee is a division of the Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council.  It was formed to honor today’s contemporary lifestyle leaders.  The Council is a non-profit organization that raises funds via its annual awards and then donates the proceeds to family-related charities to help people in need.  It offers many volunteer opportunities as the organization is run solely by volunteers.

Multiple Volunteering Opportunities

“During today’s extremely challenging times, when more than 80% of women are faced with the obstacles in raising school-age children, managing family activities, and juggling a full time job, the National Mother’s Day Committee is pleased to award ‘Outstanding Mother’ honors to this remarkable group of women” said Laurie Dowley, the Committee’s Chairwoman.  “Representing excellence across a number of industries, the 2001 honorees are being recognized for their outstanding achievements in balancing successful careers, the demands of motherhood and commitment to philanthropic service.”

The honorees have given tirelessly of themselves to help these organizations.  This year’s luncheon will benefit Save the Children. There are multiple volunteering opportunities for those willing and able to support the many organizations geared toward mothers, fathers and the family.

Give to Charity With Snoop Dogg

Celebrities Who Give to Charity: Snoop Dogg has shown his love for Japan by designing a T-shirt to benefit victims of the recent earthquake in the country.  The profits will be sent to Operation USA, an international relief organization that helps survivors overcome the devastating effects of disasters.

Snoop has joined with Neff Headwear to produce a T-shirt known as the “Snoop Dogg x Neff Japan Tee.”  Each T-shirt will be sold for $20.  People may also donate online.

Snoop says: “I got so much love for Japan that when I heard about the recent disaster I knew I had to do what I could to help.”  He added “My Japanese family member, DJ 2High, called me and let me know how bad it really is, they need a lot of support and I hope that this Tee that I am doing with my NEFF family will help make a difference.  I said it before and I will say it again, keep your head up Japan.”

Rappers Give to Charity

Singer/songwriter Ne-Yo recently Tweeted details of his visit to Japan.  He has held several performances to raise funds to help people recover from the tsunami and earthquake.

“All proceeds from the wristbands we’ve created especially for the shows will go directly to the victims of the quake” he said.  “As well as the donations boxes that will be placed throughout the venues.  We spreadin’ love through music, through donation, through prayer. Love!”

People interested in helping can go to the charity’s website to learn how to give to charity or to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Liam Gallagher Offers Emergency Financial Assistance to Japan

Liam Gallagher, former Oasis band member, has announced a performance that will offer emergency financial assistance to the victims of the tsunami that occurred in Japan earlier this month.  Gallagher and his new band, Beady Eye, will appear at a special charity performance in London on April 3^rd at the Brixton O2 Academy.  Tickets go on sale on March 25^th.

Joining Beady Eye on stage will be Primal Scream, Paul Weller, Richard Ashcroft and Graham Coxon, formerly of Blur.  Coxon’s former band mate, Damon Albarn, is expected to perform but the rumors have not yet been confirmed.  Primal Scream fans will get a special treat as Sex Pistols legend Glen Matlock takes to the stage during their segment.

“Liam has been shocked by the footage of the devastation in Japan” read a report from the Sun newspaper.  ”Oasis were, and still are, hugely popular out there.  The band have always been treated like kings so he wants to do his bit.”

The newspaper went on to add “Graham has mentioned the gig to Damon Albarn.  It could be the end of one of the most famous British rock ‘n’ roll feuds ever if he shows up.”

Ongoing Emergency Financial Assistance

The victims of the tsunami have been receiving a great deal of emergency financial help from various micro charity websites ever since the disaster struck, however, the extremely high death toll and vast destruction has proven to be much larger in scope than originally estimated.

People that wish to donate online may do so via the Salvation Army or American Red Cross, proceeds of which will go toward providing emergency financial assistance.

Online Charity Donation Requested by UK Royals

Online Charity Donation News: It is no secret that the UK’s Prince William and Kate Middleton are preparing to wed. The event, which will surely be touted as the wedding of the century, has added a new twist to aiding in various charitable organizations. The couple has asked that people will consider donating to one of twenty-six charities, including various disaster relief organizations, instead of honoring them with a wedding gift. The funds donated will be disbursed through a charity created by Prince William and his brother, Prince Harry.

Making an Online Donation

“Having been touched by the goodwill shown them since the announcement of their engagement, Prince William and Miss Middleton have asked that anyone who might wish to give them a wedding gift consider giving instead to a charitable fund,” said a royal spokesman. “The couple have chosen to take the chance to benefit some causes that have less exposure or which are undertaking valuable work in areas of the community which the couple feel would benefit from this support.”

One of the charities featured in the program is the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, an organization offering emergency financial assistance. William toured some of the areas that incurred the most damage, commenting that the destruction has been “unbelievable.” William also recognized the Urban Search and Rescue teams for their hard work: “You guys have been doing a sterling job. You really have. You have done fantastically well.”

Those wishing to make an online charity donation may do so through the website for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, the Salvation Army or Red Cross NZ.

Online Charity Donation News: Usher Gives Away Gaddafi Money

Those who regularly get involved in online charity donation will be pleased to hear that multi-platinum singer and musician Usher has donated earnings he previously made from performing for Colonel Gaddafi.

Usher is the latest in a line of celebrities to confirm they have donated money made from performing for the infamous Libyan leader. Singers Beyonce and Nelly Furtado announced last week that they would be donating their gig earnings for performing for Gaddafi.

Usher said of his decision that he was very troubled after learning about recent events in Libya, and as a result decided to donate all of his personal proceeds earned for performing for the Libyan leader’s family to a number of human rights organizations.

Following the statement, Usher promptly donated money to Amnesty International.

Internet Charity Donation Opportunities

Libya has a long history of failing to meet the basic human rights of its citizens, and the recent events in North Africa follow a string of other protests that have erupted in the region. Individuals and groups looking to make charity donations to help those less fortunate who are not afforded basic human rights can do so via a number of organizations, one of the most prevalent of which is Amnesty International.

If you wish to help contribute to those in need, perhaps by getting involved in our own crowd funding efforts, register with Microgiving today and see how you can help with the individual plight of our members, many of whom are in need of emergency financial assistance. Your online charity donation can truly make a difference to someone today.

George Michael: Emergency Financial Assistance Through Comic Relief

It is fortunate that charitable organizations and donors provide emergency financial assistance to those in need in times of crisis. For example, the earthquakes victims in Christchurch will need a great deal of assistance to get through the devastation and put their lives right again. Comic Relief, a UK-based charity, has been helping poor people throughout the world since the 1980s.

Like many disaster relief organizations, Comic Relief is one of many charities that offer emergency financial aid to those in need, particularly in impoverished and developing areas. One long time supporter of Comic Relief, George Michael, has found a new way to contribute to Comic Relief by donating the proceeds of his new single ‘True Faith’. The song was originally released in 1987 by New Order.

How Will Emergency Financial Aid Be Received?

The song is bound to be a smash hit among Michael’s many fans and those who support the global efforts of Comic Relief. The more singles that are sold or downloaded means more profit and more proceeds for the cause.

“Over the years, George has been the most tremendous supporter of Comic Relief,” said Richard Curtis, Co-founder of Comic Relief. “Out of the blue one year he gave us all the cash from the release of ‘As’, his single with Mary J. Blige.”

Those interested in donating to Comic Relief can do so via the charity’s website, or by purchasing George Michael’s new single. For other emergency financial assistance opportunities, visit Microgiving and donate online today.

Justin Bieber Promotes Microcredit Sites

Justin Bieber has asked for something unusual: microcredit. Bieber is celebrating his birthday – and his success – by asking fans to help raise funds for charity.

“I have had an incredible year and it is all due to the fans helping me live my dream,” said Bieber. “I’m turning 17 years old on Tuesday, and have so much to be grateful for! So this year, I really want my birthday to be all about helping others. Instead of asking for gifts, I’m asking friends, family and fans to consider donating $17 for my 17th birthday to help make a change.”

Bieber’s microcredit goal was for fans to donate a total of $17,000. The singer’s unusual microcredit wish has exceeded initial expectations and has brought in $31,000 to date.

Microcredit Sites Can Help

The charity supported by Justin Bieber is charity:water, an organization responsible for creating clean water sources in underdeveloped countries.

Bieber is also supporting education and awareness on the plight of people that have no access to clean water.

Bieber said: “Did you know that about 4,500 kids die each day from waterborne disease? By building clean water projects for villages that need them, we can prevent this!”

In lieu of microcredit donations, Bieber recommended that people venture into their own community to help in any way that they can, as every little bit helps.

Click on the following link to donate online to Microgiving’s own registrants in need, or alternatively if you are in need of emergency financial assistance yourself, register today and see how microcredit can help.

Celebrities Endorse Crowd Funding Sites for Christchurch

Crowdfunding Sites: As Christchurch struggles to recover from the destruction caused by the recent earthquake, a group of celebrities have begun crowd funding as a means of support. Crowdfunding sites such as DonateChristchurch.co.nz have been providing volunteer opportunities for people to help as much as they can as the survivors of Christchurch try to put the pieces back together.

Celebrities Volunteer in Support of Earthquake Victim Relief

Among those helping by volunteering their time and resources are celebrities Lionel Richie, Guy Sebastian and Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race. Lionel Richie and Australian performer Guy Sebastian will release a new version of Richie’s 1983 hit single “All Night Long” to raise money for victims in Christchurch as well as flood victims in Queensland, Australia.

“As an artist with 40 something years in the business, how do you do something meaningful?” Richie asked in an interview with the Daily Telegraph. “What’s happened this year with the floods and now with the earthquakes, it’s horrific.

How do Crowd Funding Sites Work?

A crowdfund works by people anywhere in the world making a donation. Donors know that by pooling resources and funds, those donations can make a huge difference in the lives of the recipients.

Also donating his time and talent to the Christchurch cause is New Zealand native Phil Keoghan, host of The Amazing Race. Keoghan has travelled to New Zealand to help wherever he can as well as having filmed PSAs for the Red Cross PSAs.

Crowdfunding Sites

Those who wish to make online donations to help with the Christchurch relief effort can visit the following crowdfunding sites: SalvationArmy.org.nz, RedCross.org.nz, or DonateChristchurch.co.nz.

UB40 Hosts Benefit to Help Poor People

A series of benefit concerts to help poor people this week in Namibia are being headlined by British band UB40. A reggae band who formed in Birmingham, England in the late 1970s, UB40 are best known for hit singles like “Red Red Wine” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The band is scheduled to perform three shows during three nights throughout the British countryside. Also entertaining will be some of South Africa’s most popular artists. The event, which will begin on February 24, is called “UB40 For Hope.” Funds raised by the concerts will benefit Hope Village Namibia.

Vision to Help Those in Need

Hope Village Namibia is a non-profit organization not affiliated with the South African government. The vision and inspiration for helping poor people came to its founder Marietjie de Klerk in a dream. According to the charity’s website: “Hope Village was started by Marietjie de Klerk in 2004 as a result of a dream that formed her heart after working with Mother Theresa in Calcutta and seeking the multitude of orphaned children in Namibia.

“About 200,000 children are orphaned by HIV/AIDS and the number is growing daily. This is the biggest tragedy in the history of Namibia. But we refuse to be stunned into passivity by this silent killer.”

The program can be seen as one of the most effective disaster relief organizations in South Africa, offering help, love and support to people in need in the poverty stricken country. This type of care also provides much needed funding for emergency financial assistance such as medical care.

If you would like to help poor people, consider registering with Microgiving.com today and give financial assistance to someone in need.