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Dwayne Johnson -

Dwayne Johnson felt like an outsider to Hollywood for a long time after trying to switch gears away from wrestling, but in 2023 he was the first actor to step up and make a "historic" donation to help struggling actors through the SAG-AFTRA Foundation relief fund, according to its president Courtney B. Vance. The union went on strike on July 13 and the foundation, a non-profit organization associated with the union, reignited the Emergency Financial Assistance Program which had sprung up during the pandemic. Vance reportedly drafted a letter to 2,700 of the union’s highest-earning actors outlining the financial need that many would face in the work stoppage, and Johnson called him. “It was a love fest. It’s like, ‘Man, you’re stepping up in a way that is allowing others to know the dire necessity of it,'” Vance said about Johnson's contribution. The exact amount is confidential, but Variety reports it was seven figures.

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Ryan Reynolds and Blake -

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively followed Johnson's lead and donated US$1 million. Foundation president Courtney B. Vance revealed that they've raised US$15 million for the fund so far thanks to donations like these. Other famous contributors include George and Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Meryl Streep, and Oprah Winfrey.

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Taylor Swift -

As Taylor Swift wraps the North American leg of her wildly successful 'Eras' tour, she decided to dish out some serious bonuses to the crew that made it all happen. Truck drivers, for example, received a bonus of US$100,000 each, racking up a US$5 million payout for that department alone. In total, Swift gave US$55 million in bonuses to the entire crew, including dancers, caterers, sound engineers, and riggers. So far, the tour has reportedly generated US$300 million in gross revenue, meaning she's given away almost 20% of the profits to the rest of her team. 

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Michael Jordan -

Basketball legend Michael Jordan decided to celebrate his 60th birthday by making a record-breaking donation to charity. The Charlotte Hornets owner announced that he was donating US$10 million to Make-A-Wish America, the largest donation from a single person in the organization's 43-year history. Jordan has partnered with the charity for years to make wishes for critically ill children come true. In 2008, he was named a Make-A-Wish ambassador “for the life-changing impact he has had on wish kids and their families." 

“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids,” Jordan said in a statement. “Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”  

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Evan Spiegel and Miranda Kerr -

Snapchat co-founder Evan Spiegel and his wife, model Miranda Kerr, surprised the 285 students in the Class of 2022 graduating from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles with one whopper of a gift: all of their student debt paid off. It's the largest donation in the school's century-old history, reports LA Times, and it's estimated to be over US$10 million. The announcement was made during commencement and students were shocked and elated. “It changed my life and made me feel at home,” Spiegel told the graduating class of his time taking summer classes at Otis. “I felt pushed and challenged to grow surrounded by super talented artists and designers, and we were all in it together.” Spiegel and Kerr, founders of the Spiegel Family Fund, said in a statement that the college is “an extraordinary institution that encourages young creatives to find their artistic voices and thrive in a variety of industries and careers. It is a privilege for our family to give back and support the Class of 2022, and we hope this gift will empower graduates to pursue their passions, contribute to the world, and inspire humanity for years to come.”

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Dolly Parton -

Dolly Parton opened an amusement park called Dollywood in Tennessee back in 1986. Since then, the park has gained thousands of seasonal, part-time, and full-time employees. It was announced in 2022 that Dollywood would cover the tuition fees for any employees wishing to pursue a degree. Even part-time and seasonal employees can apply for the scheme on their first day. Dollywood has pledged to pay 100% of the tuition costs, fees, and books. 

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Cardi B -

On January 8, 2022, a devastating fire broke out in an apartment block in the Bronx, New York. Seventeen people were killed due to smoke inhalation, their ages ranging from two to 50 years old. Bronx native Cardi B has stepped up and offered to pay the funeral costs for all of the victims of this terrible tragedy. In her statement, the rapper said she was proud to be from the Bronx and offered her support to the families: "I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy."

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Ariana Grande -

On World Mental Health Day in 2021, Ariana Grande announced she was teaming up with the mental health platform Better Help to give away up to US$5 million in free therapy. “I acknowledge that there are very real barriers when it comes to accessing mental health resources,” she wrote, “and while this is only one small gesture (and a much larger systemic problem remains) I wanted to do this again with @betterhelp in hopes of bringing access to a few more people and perhaps inspiring a few of you to try something new and prioritize your own healing.” That was the second time in 2021 alone that Grande had offered fans free therapy, having done a similar giveaway of up to US$1 million in June. 

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Prince Harry -

Prince Harry made a surprise appearance at a charity polo match in Aspen, Colorado, in August 2022. It was organized by Prince Harry's Sentebale foundation, a charity that raises funds for children living in poverty in Lesotho and Botswana. At the match, he pledged a US$1.5 million donation to Sentebale which will come from the proceeds of his memoir. The tell-all book hit shelves in January 2023 and broke records as one of the fastest-selling autobiographies of all time. 

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Naomi Osaka -

In the wake of Haiti's 7.2-magnitude earthquake in 2021, tennis star Naomi Osaka pledged to donate all of her prize money from the Western and Southern Open to the Haitian relief effort. The devastating quake claimed over 1,200 lives and affected many more. Osaka, whose father is Haitian, wrote on social media, "Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break," likely referencing the country's ongoing struggle with the fallout of the 2010 earthquake, plus the food scarcity, and the assassination of their president in July. 

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Megan Thee Stallion -

Megan Thee Stallion isn't just giving away money, but she's also teaching her fans how to make it for themselves. That, plus a US$1 million stock giveaway in partnership with the CashApp, of course. The rapper paired the promotion, which started June 29, with a series of educational videos titled "Investing for Hotties," focused on teaching her fans the fundamentals of buying stocks. In a statement reported by E! News, she explained that she wants to show her supporters that investing isn't just for the 1%. "I want people to learn how to build their own empire and be financially independent," she explained. "Buying stocks isn't just for the rich ... I made these 'Investing for Hotties' educational videos to help my fans learn more about different options that are available to them." She's redistributing the wealth!

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Megan Thee Stallion -

On Women's Day 2021, the rapper announced 'Women On Top', a US$1 million fund to support women in education, business, charity and more. The fund is in partnership with Fashion Nova. 

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The Weeknd -

The Weeknd announced on April 4, 2021, that he was donating US$1 million for hunger relief in Ethiopia amid the ongoing conflict between the government and the Tigray region which has brought on thousands of deaths and has displaced millions of people. The money will provide two million meals to those in need through the United Nations World Food Program. "My heart breaks for my people of Ethiopia as innocent civilians ranging from small children to the elderly are being senselessly murdered and entire villages are being displaced out of fear and destruction," the singer, born Abel Tesfaye, wrote on Instagram.

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The Weeknd -

This is hardly his first benevolent act, too. In 2020, he donated US$1 million to help those affected by the pandemic, US$500,000 to nonprofit organizations committed to racial equality, and US$300,000 to victims of the explosion in Beirut, Lebanon.

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Michael Jordan - NBA legend Michael Jordan donated US$10 million to open two new medical clinics in his hometown of Wilmington, North Carolina, which will serve the uninsured or underinsured residents of New Hanover County, according to a news release from Novant Health. "Everyone should have access to quality health care, no matter where they live, or whether or not they have insurance," Jordan said in a statement, adding that he's glad to be able to give back to his community. And it's not just the pandemic driving his benevolence, as he'd already committed US$7 million in 2017 for two health clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Jack Dorsey -

In 2020, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey threw his weight and his wallet behind a program that is working to create a guaranteed basic income for those in need. Especially since the pandemic, a lack of basic income affects the economy at large, but especially those already struggling to make ends meet. Dorsey donated US$15 million to help fund a pilot program by the organization Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI), an amount which is in addition to the US$3 million he previously donated to the organization earlier that year. 

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Jack Dorsey -

The goal of MGI is to create an income floor by sending no-strings-attached monthly cash payments to those in need, meant to combat unemployment and racial and economic injustice. Dorsey's funds are being used to launch or expand guaranteed-income pilots in major cities around the US. 

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Taylor Swift -

The singer donated over US$30,000 to cover the tuition fees of Vitória Mário, a Portuguese immigrant who has been living in the UK for four years and hopes to become a mathematician. Mário comes from a low-income family, lost her father, and is separated from her mother, who lives in Portugal. "Vitoria, I came across your story online and am so inspired by your drive and dedication to turning your dreams into reality," Swift shared. "I want to gift you the rest of your goal amount."

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Taylor Swift -

Taylor Swift is a repeat offender in the best way possible. She also donated US$1 million to help victims of the two deadly tornadoes that rocked her home state of Tennessee. She had previously made a $500,000 donation in 2010 following a major flood in the state.

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Taylor Swift - T-Swift has also helped out students before. On August 12, 2019, the singer sent Ayesha Khurram just over US$4,800 via PayPal to help with her university tuition, this after the Canadian student vented about it on Tumblr. "Ayesha, get your learn on, girl! I love you," wrote Swift.

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Taylor Swift -

The singer has also donated to numerous causes, including the Country Hall of Fame Museum and an Alabaman school affected by tornadoes. For her efforts, she was named the most charitable celebrity in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

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Sia -

In late November, 2019, the singer went without her famous wigs and showed up at a Walmart in Southern California to pay for shoppers' groceries. Oh, but not as herself! She tried to convince folks her name was Cici and that she had just won the lottery! And she almost got away with it too, until one grateful woman realized who she was and shared the news.

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Sia -

As if that weren't enough, Sia was also spotted footing the bill for customers at a nearby TJ Maxx store, this all before Thanksgiving.

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John Cena - The actor and professional wrestler announced he would donate US$500,000 towards first responders tackling the California fires.

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John Cena - "Out of respect to the people that I truly believe are heroes, my response will be to immediately donate half a million dollars to this cause," he said in a Twitter video. "This is the right thing to do and I am doing my part to help the cause. I wish everyone the best of luck, please stay safe and you are our heroes."

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Ellen DeGeneres -

The renowned television host is known for her charitable contributions to both animal and human causes.

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Ellen DeGeneres - She has donated to organizations including St. Jude's Children's Hospital and The Humane Society. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama in 2016.

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George and Amal Clooney - The couple co-founded the Clooney Foundation for Justice to help marginalized communities.

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George and Amal Clooney - The two have also donated large sums of money to the March For Our Lives campaign, a movement designed to raise gun violence awareness and support tighter gun control laws.

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Zedd -

The famed DJ created the #GoodThingChallenge, named after his song with Kehlani, 'Good Thing.' Zedd himself donated US$10,000 to the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation as part of the challenge.

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Zedd - He wrote on Twitter: "I'm super excited to officially kick off the #goodthingchallenge. The #goodthingchallenge is all about doing something good for somebody else. Whether it's donating to a charity, buying a coffee for the person in line behind you or just doing something kind to brighten up somebody's day, I want to challenge all of you to do a good thing."

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Jared Leto - Actor-musician Jared Leto was nominated by Zedd to take part in the #GoodThingChallenge, and he quickly responded.

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Jared Leto - The Oscar winner donated US$5,000 to a family struggling with medical bills after their young sons were struck by a car, and donated yet another $5,000 to the family of a young boy who suffered severe burns.

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Lady Gaga - Following the mass shootings in Dayton, Ohio, El Paso, Texas, and Gilroy, California, Lady Gaga pledged to fund classrooms in those cities.

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Lady Gaga - "I find hope in the work of DonorsChoose.org and I’m proud to partner with them and with Born This Way Foundation to fully fund the classroom project needs in Dayton, OH, El Paso, TX, and Gilroy, CA," she wrote on Facebook. In total, Lady Gaga committed to funding 14 classrooms in Dayton, 125 classrooms in El Paso, and 23 classrooms in Gilroy.

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John Legend - John Legend performed a suprise concert on August 11, 2019 in honor of the victims of the shooting in Dayton.

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John Legend - The singer also made a donation himself. Legend was born and raised in Springfield, Ohio, about 30 minutes northeast of Dayton.

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Khalid - The singer announced a benefit concert in honor of the victims of the mass shooting in El Paso, his hometown.

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Khalid - Also featuring special guests, the concert took place on September 1, 2019, at the Don Haskins Center in El Paso.

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Mindy Kaling -

"Happy birthday to me - I worked hard these 40 years," Kaling wrote on June 24, 2019. But she didn’t stop there. "I’m so grateful to have my wonderful, peaceful life [with] my daughter Katherine. How lucky am I to turn 40? I would love to express my gratitude by donating $1000 to 40 different charitable [organizations] that help others.""

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Mindy Kaling -

"Thanks everyone who suggested all the worthy organizations for me to give to. I hope you were as inspired as I was! There’s so many more and I promise to keep giving," Kaling tweeted on June 25, 2019, after all 40 donations were assigned. 

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg - U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg won the Berggruen Prize for Philosophy & Culture in October 2019, and decided to donate the US$1 million prize to charity.

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Ruth Bader Ginsburg - She won the annual prize for helping to shape "human self-understanding and advancement."

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Drake - On a normal Tuesday night during a fast food run to McDonald's in Los Angeles, this generous rapper decided to give two female employees US$10,000 each—in cash.

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Drake -

But it's not the first time he showed the world his altruism. While filming the music video for 'God's Plan' in 2017, he doled out a cool million.

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LeBron James -

The basketball star also likes to show off his heart of gold.

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LeBron James - In July 2018, he opened a school for disadvantaged children in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, called I Promise School.

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Chris Martin - Chris Martin of Coldplay is reportedly associated with more than 30 charities.

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Chris Martin - Coldplay is known for giving away a percentage of their profits to charitable organizations and causes.

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Michelle Obama - The former First Lady of the United States donated over US$1 million to various causes alongside her husband and former President Barack Obama during his time in office.

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Michelle Obama - Fifty-four percent of the money they donated went to causes for children.

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J.K. Rowling - J.K. Rowling is known for her efforts in helping institutionalized youths.

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J.K. Rowling - Rowling has donated over US$17 million to a number of charities and causes.

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Chance the Rapper - In 2017, the rapper raised over US$2.2 million for Chicago Public Schools through his nonprofit organization SocialWorks.

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Chance the Rapper - He earned a top spot on the 2017 Celebs Gone Good list, compiled by social change organization Do Something.

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Ricky Gervais - The comedian is a huge anti-cruelty advocate and is a supporter of PETA.

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Ricky Gervais - Gervais also donated profits from a series of his stand-up comedy shows to Macmillan Cancer Support.

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Leona Lewis - Leona Lewis donated the proceeds from her single 'Footprints in the Sand' to Sports Relief.

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Leona Lewis - Lewis is a supporter and an advocate for more than 15 charities.

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Angelina Jolie - The actress created the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006 with Brad Pitt to aid in humanitarian causes around the world.

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Angelina Jolie - She has also completed over 50 field missions as an UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador.

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David Beckham - David Beckham is a founding member of the Malaria No More UK Leadership Council.

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David Beckham - He and his wife also founded the Victoria and David Beckham Charitable Trust.

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Kate Hudson - The actress has been hands on with the organization Watch Hunger Stop, Michael Kors' annual campaign to combat global hunger.

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Kate Hudson - She has also supported charities including Last Chance for Animals, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, Red Cross, and WildAid.

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Elton John - Sir Elton John founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

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Elton John - Every year, John hosts his White Tie and Tiara Ball to raise money for the foundation.

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Naomi Campbell - The model's Fashion for Relief campaign raises money and awareness for several causes.

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Naomi Campbell - The various environmental and humanitarian causes include the fight against Ebola and the race to equality.

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Gisele Bündchen - The Brazilian supermodel has volunteered for Goodwill Industries International’s annual Thanksgiving dinner.

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Gisele Bündchen -

She is also a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador.

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Orlando Bloom - The actor is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and has traveled to Liberia to join the fight against Ebola.

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Orlando Bloom - In addition to UNICEF, he has supported charities including ONE Campaign and Red Cross.

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John Boyega - The actor granted five-year-old cancer patient Daniel Bell his wish of meeting Finn from 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens.'

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John Boyega - He also donated toys to sick children at the Royal London Hospital on behalf of the Rays of Sunshine children's charity.

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Oprah Winfrey - The former talk show host and media mogul has donated millions to charity throughout her career.

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Oprah Winfrey - The long list of charities include relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, the National Child Protection Act, and various causes for women's rights.

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Zooey Deschanel - The 'New Girls' star has donated and supported countless charities, including the Alliance for Children's Rights, Alzheimer's Association, Mercy For Animals, and Stand Up To Cancer.

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Zooey Deschanel - She is also a "Celebrity Angel" with Baby2Baby, an organization that provides low-income children with basic necessities such as food and clothing.

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Joanna Lumley - The actress is a member of the Born Free Foundation, and is also very passionate about human rights causes such as the Free Tibet campaign.

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Joanna Lumley - Lumley also took part in a sponsored bike ride through Vietnam to raise money for Mind, a mental health charity.

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Eric Clapton - Clapton’s charitable work focuses on drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

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Eric Clapton - Eric Clapton has reportedly given away around US$200,000 of his earnings.

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Mel C - In 2011, this Spice Girl competed in a triathlon to raise money for Sparks, a medical research organization with a focus on children.

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Mel C - Mel C is also an avid anti-bullying advocate and a member of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

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Chris Hemsworth - The actor is an ambassador for the Parley AIR X Corona initiative, a movement designed to end marine plastic pollution.

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Chris Hemsworth -

He posted on his Instagram: "I'm thrilled to be a part of this program, because I want to inspire people to find a solution and protect the world's oceans so future generations can enjoy them like I do."

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Jamie Oliver - According to Forbes, the famed chef and his wife, Jools, donated US$2.2 million to food education and work training opportunities. Oliver is known for actively participating in social missions, and has been instrumental in banning unhealthy school lunches.

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Judi Dench - Dame Judi Dench is a patron of Women Against Lung Cancer.

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Judi Dench - In 2007, Dench was inducted into the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children's Hall of Fame.

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Stephen Fry - The actor is a supporter of more than 30 charities, many of which focus on nature conservation, HIV/AIDS, and mental health.

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Stephen Fry - Fry hosts an annual gala in support of those affected by HIV.

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Bono - In 1986, Bono helped organize Amnesty International's Conspiracy of Hope tour.

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Bono -

U2 was also heavily involved in the Band Aid and Live Aid projects organized by Sir Bob Geldof. Later came Bono's work with the ONE and (RED) campaigns.

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Richard Branson - Richard Branson pledged to donate over US$2.6 billion to the reduction of global warming.

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Richard Branson - He has previously donated millions to educational charities in Africa, and flew in 40,000 blankets for refugees fleeing into Jordan.

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Annie Lennox - The former member of the Eurythmics is known for her charitable efforts with Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Nelson Mandela’s 46664 Foundation.

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Annie Lennox -

In 2008, she received the British Red Cross' Services to Humanity Award for her efforts in raising awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.

See also: Celebs making strides for social justice

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