From actors and singers to philanthropists, entrepreneurs and politicians, these ten celebrities are widely admired for their good deeds and kind hearts. Here is a list of those who continue to give back and help restore our faith in humanity.
1. Oprah Winfrey
She has founded three organizations The Angel Network, The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, and The Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation, which donates 100% of the proceeds.
2. Elton John
Elton John is one of the biggest contributors to AIDS research. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in the 80's and has made significant donations over the years to over 50 charity organizations.
3. Bono
Bono's overwhelming philanthropic work has earned him the "most influential" people in our society. He participated in the Conspiracy Of Hope tour for Amnesty International in the 1980's. He advocates hugely for human rights, proper economics, AIDS research and awareness, fighting poverty, and quite a bit more. He has been nominated on three separate occasions for the Nobel Peace Prize on account of his tireless efforts.
4. Bill Clinton
For most presidents, the job of changing the world stops when their term ends, but this is not the case for Mr. William J. Clinton. He founded the nonprofit, Clinton Foundation, to tackle issues in health, safety, economic stability, eliminate prejudice, and environmental issues. He has worked with over 50 charities like Make-A-Wish Foundation, Artists for Peace and Justice, and World Vision to name just a few.
5. Branjelina
For philanthropic work, the couple has been a loud voice for refugees all over the world. They are often working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The have also formed the Jolie-Pitt Foundation to fight poverty, wildlife conservation, protection of natural resources, and general humanitarian causes. And of course, who can forget the three children they have adopted.
6. Sting
Sting's true passion for charity work lies with protecting the environment; especially the world's rapidly decreasing rainforests. He founded The Rainforest Foundation to help protect the Amazon rainforest from mass-eradication. It focuses on protecting the rights of the native populations. He is often known to raise money for disaster relief and various humanitarian causes.
7. Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres's charity work vary from disaster relief, civil/human rights, bullying, to breast cancer. She works very closely with the Susan G. Komen foundation and promotes awareness of breast cancer very profoundly on her show during the month of October. She advocates animal rights and passionately fights against animal abuse. She does charity work with organizations like The Humane Society of United States, Big Life Foundation, the Halo Pet Foundation, and Farm Sanctuary and encourages all animal lovers to donate for the cause.
8. John Legend
John Legend's charity work mainly concerns fighting horrendous conditions faced by poverty-stricken areas of Africa. He started the Show Me Campaign to raise funds and awareness about Africa's rural areas. He also advocates for the Gentlemen's Fund, which strives to encourage men to seek intellectual and sophisticated outlets to better themselves and society. He is also performing at university graduation speeches to encourage young minds by teaching them the importance of humility, love, and perseverance.
9. Sir Paul McCartney
Legendary Beetles member Sir Paul McCartney is one of the most charitable celebrities in the world; donating hundreds of millions and working with over 90 different organizations like Greenpeace, War Child, Everyone Matters, and many-many more! His biggest endeavor has been protecting animal rights. He has done work with PETA, Humane Society International, Animal Defenders International, and American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign to name a few.
10. George Clooney
George Clooney donates to many charity organizations helping to fight homelessness, hunger, and provide disaster relief. His greatest passion is to help those who can't defend themselves preventing the heinous atrocities. He co-founded the Not On Our Watch with friends Brad Pitt, Don Cheadle, Jerry Weintraub, and Matt Damon whose mission is to "generate lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection for the vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced." He also donates to other organizations like Feeding America, Saves the Children, and Stand-Up To Cancer.
