Stars Shining Bright For Humanity
“When you have more than what you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence” – Anonymous
When looking at the media, most celebrities’ private lives are made public knowledge, and it’s usually the dirtiest laundry that gets the most exposure. Hashtags and nasty viral videos are clear evidence of this. With that being said, we’re about to flip the script and bring light to the amazing work that celebrities do, which doesn’t get the exposure which is due to them!
Floyd Mayweather may be known as a tough fighter on the streets, but he definitely is a fighter for humanity on the side too. Floyd Mayweather is considered the greatest boxer of his era and twelve world titles and the lineal championship in four different weight classes, but apart from being a world champion, his efforts to empower the youth and make a change in society is what stands out about Mayweather. The Floyd Mayweather Jr Foundation centres around community health and wellness, economic growth and development and youth education, and has been running since 2007. The foundation aids in various ways – from scholarships for girls in sport, to motivational talks from fellow celebrities, to boxing summer camps for aspiring youth.
Apart from her 20 Oscar nominations, which makes her the most nominated actress of all time, Meryl Streep is a philanthropist of note! Funding in alliance with her husband, Donald Gummer, the couple funds areas which resonate with them through their Silver Mountain Foundation. As both Streep and Gummer are academics and artists, their funding areas centres around education, arts and culture, social welfare and women, environment and health.
She claimed her title as global icon for feminism and women empowerment when she asked “who run the world?”, Beyoncé is both a business brand and a philanthropist, who makes doing good look even better. Beyoncé co-founded Chime for Change with actress Salma Hayek. The global campaign was founded by Gucci, and its aim is to raise funds and awareness for education, healthcare and the overall standard of living for women and girls around the world. She also has her own initiative called BeyGOOD, which gives back in various ways: from unemployment to education for girls, to LGBTQ awareness and activism, earth conservation and assisting with school supplies, Beyoncé motivates all to BeyGOOD.
Not only is our next celeb the most expensive footballer in history, he is also one of the celebs who does not hold back when it comes to charity. If Cristiano Ronaldo came to mind, then you are correct. This A-lister understands that his occupation puts him in the eye of the public, and makes him an influencer to the young, and as it seems Ronaldo may have a soft spot for kids. Many of his charity work is to assist and aid the young. One of the most amazing stories where Ronaldo reached out to help was when he was approached to donate soccer boots for a 10-month-old baby who needed brain surgery. Not only did Ronaldo donate the soccer boots, he also donated $83,000 to cover the costs of the surgery, as well as follow-up treatments at a cost of $8,000 per visit. Apart from this beautiful once off event, Ronaldo usually donates to matters close to his heart. When he won a defamation lawsuit against a British tabloid, he took the payout and donated it to a charity organization in the Portuguese archipelago where he was born. After his mother was treated for cancer, Ronaldo donated $165,000 to the cancer facility that treated her. Lastly, a favourite of mine… In 2012, Ronaldo won the Golden Boot and sold it for €1.5million. He then donated the funds to a Palestinian school. As if we weren’t already swooning over him!