News One Heart Channel

Ralph Fiennes: Time is running out for West Africa's children

2012-04-11

UNICEF UK Ambassador Ralph Fiennes calls for an urgent response to the food and nutrition crisis in West Africa. "Three years ago I visited a therapeutic feeding centre in a refugee camp in Chad. On every bed on the basic ward was a mother and a tiny, fragile, malnourished baby. I remember one sleeping baby boy who looked particularly frail and was lying very still. The mother, herself hungry and weak, was no longer able to breastfeed her baby. But the nurse was optimistic that he would get better.

The UNICEF staff I was travelling with told me that this kind of severe malnutrition in children under the age of five is life-threatening, but with the right treatment and care, they have a good chance of surviving and recovering. I am alarmed to hear from UNICEF that in the next few months, a million children could die in eight countries across West Africa, including Chad, without immediate treatment and care.

It is not a famine, but a very complex food crisis that is the result of a number of factors including drought, rising food prices and poor harvests. And this looming disaster has, to date, attracted little media attention.

UNICEF has been warning of this situation for months, but has still only received a third of the funds it needs to ensure that every one of these severely malnourished children will get the treatment they need. The annual ';hunger season'; in this region of West Africa – when food from the last harvest runs out – has begun early for many of the affected communities, and time is running out to avert a major catastrophe.

For more infomation please visit : http://blogs.unicef.org.uk/authentic_voices/archive/2012/03/30/ralph-fiennes-child-malnutrition-west-africa-sahel.aspx

EARTH HOUR AND PEOPLE'S POSTCODE LOTTERY

2012-04-01

Hundreds of millions of people unite each year for Earth Hour. Now imagine what change is possible if we take an even greater step beyond the hour. Earth Hour is doing exactly this and launching Earth Hour People’s Projects. People’s Projects is a community initiative to assist conservation ventures large and small - even one that you may work on - to achieve great things for the planet. Two world-changing projects have been selected for this first round and you can support by purchasing a People';s Postcode Lottery ticket. The more tickets sold, the more projects our community can support.

Lady Gaga

2012-04-01

Lady Gaga';s Born This Way Foundation has launched a poster contest for budding young artists who want to help stamp out bullying.From the charity’s website: "We are calling on anyone and everyone with the ability to think creatively to come up with a visual representation for the Born This Way Foundation.

“The image should inspire, activate and move people. But most of all, it should give supporters a way to show their dedication to the Foundation.

“You can draw, design or even collage. There’s no limit—just make sure your 11X17 poster includes the Born This Way Foundation name and answers the following question: What does bravery mean to you?

“Once your poster is submitted, Lady Gaga and her mom will select ten posters to become semifinalists, then it’ll be up to supporters like you to select the winning piece.”

The contest is open until April 11, and can be accessed here.

Wake Up With The Stars And Get Schooled

2012-03-21

The Get Schooled Foundation has announced that Victoria Justice, Brandy, Big Sean, Sean Paul, Terrence J and Rocsi have signed onto the Wake Up and Get Schooled campaign aimed at encouraging students to set a goal of getting to school every day. These artists join the ranks of celebrities like Tyra Banks, Ne-Yo, Nicki Minaj, and Wiz Khalifa who have lent their voice in this national campaign to reduce high school drop outs and raise high school graduation rates. In addition to waking up thousands of young people with a recorded “get out of bed” message, Victoria Justice will recognize the students who are working toward the goal of improving their attendance. By signing up for a wake up call, young people are automatically entered into the “Wake Up with Victoria Justice” sweepstakes. The winner will receive a special pre-taped personal message, and an autographed “all day every day” Get Schooled t-shirt. “Success requires focus, drive and determination, whether you are striving to get ahead in academics, the music business or life itself,” said Victoria Justice. “I am excited to partner with Get Schooled to encourage more students to wake up and get to school every day with renewed focus and motivation.” Every year one out of every three high school students will fail to graduate from high school with their classmates – putting them on a path to poverty, unemployment and hardship. There is no greater predictor of high school graduation rates than attendance rates. Studies show that students with more than 10 absences in a school year risk falling behind. Students with more than 20 absences have only a one-in-five chance of graduating. The wake up calls have also been integrated into Boost Nation, a microsite developed by the US Army and Ad Council’s high school dropout prevention BoostUp campaign in collaboration with State Farm and America’s Promise Alliance’s 26 Seconds BMOR campaign. This site enables people to create videos and written messages of support for students to let students around the country know that people care about them. LeBron James was one of the first to share a message of support on this site. “We are delighted to team up with the Get Schooled Foundation to expand their wake up program to give students a boost in the morning from celebrities they admire,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “These critical wake up calls are part of our overall effort to demonstrate to students that there are people that support and believe in them so they will stay in school and graduate.” The pre-recorded messages, running throughout the school year until June 2012, stress the importance of getting up and going to school every day. Over 20,000 students from all over the country have signed up for the wake up calls since September. Schools across the country have encouraged their students to participate as a way to boost attendance. “We had more than half of our students sign up for wake up calls in one week,” said Cynthia Martin, teacher at the Osborn Upper School of Global Communications in Detroit, Michigan. "They couldn’t believe that Big Sean was actually calling them. It was so much fun to walk into the building and have the kids excited about the wake up calls. They were ALL talking about it and the students that had not signed up yet were anxious to get involved. It really seemed to make an impression and motivate them to get to school on time. Marie Groark, Executive Director of the Get Schooled Foundation, said, “We have received such a positive response from students and the statistics say it all – the wake up calls are making an impact. It is so exciting to have even more star power help us get kids to school every day.” In addition, celebrities who have already signed on include Baron Davis, Ciara, Cappie Pondexter, Greyson Chance, Jesse McCartney, Kimora Lee Simmons, Mac Miller, Marlon Wayans, Mindless Behavior, Pooch Hall, Trey Songz, and Swizz Beatz. Additional celebrities are continuing to record wake up calls each week. To see a full list of participating artists, go to www.getschooled.com/wakeup. In addition to the wake up calls, the Get Schooled Foundation is supporting broad efforts around the country to engage students in their education, encourage parents to support that engagement, and build school cultures where missing classes is not an option.

Gisele Bundchen Blogs Baby Elephants

2012-03-21

Supermodel Gisele Bundchen has blogged about her recent visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust';s headquarters in Nairobi National Park, where she spent time with baby elephants. “Places like the David Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary are working hard to stop poachers and take care of the orphans,” she blogged. "When we are happy, cared for, and loved, we thrive and the same is true for elephants. I will never understand how someone could kill or harm an animal as beautiful and special as an elephant. “We need to speak up for these animals or they will continue to be in danger. One of the best ways to help protect the elephants is to help educate people about their plight. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Sanctuary is doing an amazing job educating local populations in the area about the elephants and the role they play in health and well-being of the ecosystem. It is very cool that they employ a lot of the local people at the sanctuary. “We protect what we care about, and we care about what we understand. Education on these issues is crucial. We must understand what’s at stake and that we need to take action now. A simple step is to never buy anything made with ivory. Another easy step is visiting the website of the orphanage and learning more about the elephants and share what you learn.” Read more: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8056-gisele-bundchen-blogs-baby-elephants#ixzz1pjKaZ5YP

Oprah To Join Lady Gaga At Charity Launch

2012-02-20

Oprah will appear alongside Lady Gaga as she formally unveils BTWF before a crowd of policy makers, non-profit organizations, foundation leaders, students and youth at the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Askwith Forum. Lady Gaga also will be joined by several renowned guests including prolific author and speaker Deepak Chopra, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, and Charles Ogletree, Harvard Law School’s Jesse Climenko Professor of Law and Director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice. The one-day event will be co-hosted by BTWF, Harvard’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society, the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and The California Endowment. Highlights of the launch event will be featured in an upcoming episode of “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on OWN: OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK. BTWF has partnered with the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The California Endowment and The Berkman Center at Harvard to explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment. BTWF, a non-profit charitable organization, will address issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development through research, education and advocacy. With a focus on digital mobilization to create positive change, BTWF will lead youth into a braver new society where each individual is accepted and loved as the person they were born to be. Additional details concerning the Born This Way Foundation launch will be announced closer to the event date, February 29th, 2012. Visit www.BornThisWayFoundation.org to take the pledge and become part of the movement. Read more: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7852-oprah-to-join-lady-gaga-at-charity-launch#ixzz1muJiXvdg

Eva Longoria Joins Stars As Co-Chair Of United Farm Workers 50th Anniversary Read more: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7870-eva-longoria-joins-stars-as-co-chair-of-united-farm-workers-50th-anniversary#ixzz1muIF3gTj

2012-02-20

United Farm Workers (UFW) has announced Honorary Co-Chairs of the UFW 50th Anniversary 2012 year-long celebration. The distinguished group of entertainers, public officials, dignitaries and Hispanic national leaders is led by Helen Chavez, wife of founder Cesar Chavez. Among today’s named co-chairs include actors Eva Longoria, Diego Luna, Tony Plana, Lupe Ontiveros, Martin Sheen, America Ferrera, Danny Glover, Ed Begley Jr., Edward James Olmos, Benito Martinez, screenwriter Keir Pearson, musical superstars Kris Kristofferson, Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), U.S. Congressman Howard Berman (D-CA), U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), California Senate President proTempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento), California Speaker of the Assembly John Perez, Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs, Cardinal Roger Mahony, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView, Dr. Robert Ross President and CEO, The California Endowment, Janet Murguia, NCLR President & CEO, Thomas A. Saenz, MALDEF President and General Counsel, and Arturo Vargas, NALEO Executive Director. In addition to lending their respective name to the celebration, UFW Honorary Co-Chairs will attend one of the many celebrations, as well as assist with promotions and overall support. “We are honored to have such a distinguished group of individuals step up to support the organization, many of which have historically supported the UFW throughout the past 50 years,” said UFW President Arturo Rodriguez. The UFW is the oldest Latino organization to come out of the 1960s civil rights movement and the largest farm worker organization in America. The group continues to be at the forefront of protecting America’s farm workers, ensuring a safe and just food supply and a safe working environment, free from intimidation and threats to achieve a higher standard of living for them and their families. The UFW’s 2012 commemorative events schedule includes the 50th Anniversary Convention May 17-20 in Bakersfield, CA, a summer concert series and a historic star-studded concert scheduled this fall. The UFW has partnered with the branding event agency LatinPointe to produce the historic events. For more information contact Teresa Romero, execoffice@ufw.org (661) 823-6105 or Sarah Chavez, schavez@latinpointe.com 913-660-6515. Or alternatively, click here. Read more: http://www.looktothestars.org/news/7870-eva-longoria-joins-stars-as-co-chair-of-united-farm-workers-50th-anniversary#ixzz1muIKOhz2

Paris Without Fur Show

2012-01-18

On the catwalks of all major fashion shows, we can see an increase of coats and accessories made out of natural fur. During the last nine years the fur industry has had a constant increase in demand. Yet for many years, there are many alternatives to real fur. They are creative, natural and very fashionable.

To prove and to alert the society about this problem, One Heart Channel, the first Solidary Web TV, NéoPlanète, an ecofriendly media outlet, with the support of PETA FRANCE, will organize a special fashion show « Paris Without Fur » on Thursday, January 26th 2012 at 6 pm at the l’Hôtel Fouquet’s Lucien Barrière in Paris 8ème.

This glamorous and chic fashion show, organized at the end of the Paris Couture Fashion Week, will reunite the most important fashion and couture personalities. Many fashion designers, as well as original brand names, such as (Franck Sorbier, C&A, Spirit Hoods, VJ Couture, Etam..) will present their latest looks to prove that you can have a warm and chic winter without using natural fur.

Natalie Portman Creating ‘Eating Animals’ Vegan Documentary

2012-01-09

Natalie Portman’s love of animals is no mystery and she just might be turning her passion into an onscreen production. Portman is possibly heading behind the camera for a documentary based on the book “Eating Animals,” which she credits for her transformation into a fulltime vegan.

Last summer the author of the book, Jonathan Safran Foer, revealed Portman “is going to make a movie of it.”

“She wants to make a very personal documentary,” the author explained in an interview with the French site Chap. “She contacted me, she told me that she loved the book. I know her now. I will help her eventually but it will be her vision. She’s only at the very beginning.”

You may be familiar with the acclaimed book, which is a memoir about Foer’s journey in learning about what we eat. According to its official site, it “explores the many stories we use to justify our eating habits – folklore and pop culture, family traditions and national myth, apparent facts and inherent fictions – and how such tales can lull us into a brutal forgetting.”

Overall, Foer focuses on the importance of a more sustainable twist to our eating habits, especially a more humane approach to eating meat.

The 30-year-old Oscar winning actress has said in the past, “Perhaps others disagree with me that animals have personalities. But the highly documented torture of animals is unacceptable, and the human cost Foer describes in his book, of which I was previously unaware, is universally compelling.”

Portman currently has been taking a backseat to the limelight, since she had her baby Aleph with fiancé Benjamin Millepied, whom she met on the set of her movie “Black Swan.” This just might be the perfect way for the actress to get her feet wet again in the movie biz.

Are you excited for Portman’s possible next project?

Countdown To WWF Earth Hour 2012 !

2012-01-09

Join KT Tunstall at The Village, Westfield, London at 4pm on Friday 6th January for an intimate acoustic performance and special Christmas Lights Switch Off ceremony celebrating WWF';s Earth Hour 2012.

The globally renowned singer songwriter will turn The Village’s Christmas lights off to launch the countdown to WWF’s Earth Hour which will take place on March 31st 2012.

The annual event, which always takes place on the last Saturday of March, asks communities around the world to turn off their lights at home for just an hour, and share a special ‘switched off’ moment with their family and friends.

KT’s sparkling performance will also mark the launch of WWF’s nationwide competition to find one lucky community which will be given the honour of leading the Earth Hour switch off in the UK. The winning community will win a £1,000 grant to make sure that their ‘switched off’ event goes with a bang.

WWF’s Earth Hour is a simple idea that’s become a global phenomenon, with hundreds of millions of people turning off their lights to show they want to create a brighter future for the planet. Spanning a record 135 countries in 2011, this year’s Earth Hour is set to be even bigger.

WWF’s Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses joined in. Last year hundreds of millions of people and landmarks from Big Ben and Buckingham Palace in London to the India Gate in New Delhi, and even as far as The Sydney Opera House, took part.

Westfield has supported WWF’s Earth Hour globally since it began in 2007 as one of the first organisations to sign up. In 2011, Westfield London became home to Rooftop Rainforest with Sky, bringing a taste of the Amazon rainforest to the city.