A charitable bunch

The Express Tribune brings you a round-up of celebrities you may not have known had a soft side. Here’s a list of stars who not only earn a large amount, but also donate it.

Heather Graham



After repeated trips to Cambodia, The Hangover actor Heather Graham was emotionally inspired to make lives better for impoverished children there. In collaboration with the Cambodian Children’s’ Fund, Graham today sponsors five youngsters with food, housing, education and medical care, saying, “The extreme poverty is overwhelming. Many kids have to work  — their families are struggling financially, so they can’t afford to lose a child’s income. Some even live in the school,” said Heather, reports Instyle.

George Clooney



Who knew superstar George Clooney had one of the most charitable hearts in Hollywood. The actor, who smuggled a camera with his journalist father Nick to photograph civil-war torn villages in Darfur, has always wanted to help the less fortunate. In January 2010, he organized the Telethon Hope for Haiti Now, which collected donations for the 2010 Haiti earthquake victims. The Hollywood heavyweight has also directed and acted in The Monuments Men, set to release in 2014, all in a day’s work. “It’s embarrassing. You don’t want to be awarded for doing what you’re supposed to be doing,” said Clooney to Fox.

Selena Gomez



Actor and singer Selena Gomez was appointed UNICEF Ambassador in 2009, and has played an active role in advocating for children. She travelled to Congo for the ENOUGH Project to act against war and poverty. She has also helped other charities such as Island Dogs which helps saves animals, and State Farm Insurance to promote safe driving. Gomez’s humanitarian work comes as a no surprise as the young star croons, “You have every right to a beautiful life,” in her song, Who Says.

Priyanka Chopra



Bollywood diva Priyanka Chopra is not only a powerhouse of talent but also a strong social activist. From her long-standing association with UNICEF for ‘Save the Girl’ campaign to donations for building cancer wards, Piggy Chops never fails to inspire us with her charitable side. As a result of her undying efforts for girl empowerment, the 31-year-old actor represented the Girl Up campaign at UN’s annual Global Leadership Dinner. “So proud to represent Girl Up at the UN global leaders’ gala... Met so many inspiring people who bring about so much change... Thank you,” she tweeted in November, last year.

Vidya Balan



Dirty Picture actor Vidya Balan, recently starting working with the Indian government, to become the brand ambassador for drinking water and sanitation. She will be seen campaigning for the Clean Picture programme, which is an initiative for a cleaner India, stating, “It needs to become a national obsession. I am ready to do it in my capacity,” according to Times of India.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan



One of the most beautiful women in the world, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan has donated her eyes to the Eye Bank Association of India. She also initiated the Aishwarya Rai Foundation to help the poor. In 2009 she was roped in as the Goodwill Ambasssador of Smile Train, an organization that provides necessary reconstructive surgery to children. In a statement to Hindustan Times the actor said, “God has given me plenty of reasons to smile, and if I can make a difference, it will certainly make me feel honored and blessed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2014.

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