Last Tuesday, a magnitude seven earthquake shook Haiti to its core, killing tens of thousands and affecting millions. International aid has flooded into the country, but the situation remains grim as many are still in desperate need of food, water and medical attention. Many are forced to live in tents cities, with nerves being shocked by a number of after-shocks from the quake.
In response, two telethons will be held tonight – Canada for Haiti and Hope For Haiti Now (US) to raise funds for the country’s relief. The star-studded events will be filled with actors, musicians, athletes and politicians raising money for NGO’s working in Haiti.
7p.m. Eastern Time: Canada For Haiti
Canada’s three largest television networks – CBC, CTV, and Global will come together tonight with co-hosts, George Stroumboulopoulos, Ben Mulroney and Cheryl Hickey leading Canada’s version of the fundraiser.
Many note-worthy Canadians will be participating including the following:
- Muscians Nelly Furtado, Celine Dion, Sarah McLahan, The Tragically Hip, Raine Maida, Simple Plan, Justin Bieber and the Barenaked Ladies
- Directors James Cameron, Jason Reitman and Norman Jewison.
- Actors William Shatner, Joshua Jackson, Pamela Anderson, Eugene Levy, Sandra Oh, Tom Jackson, Ryan Reynolds, Michael J. Fox, Rachelle Lefevre, Will Arnett, Hugh Dillon and Brent Butt.
- Gretzky and Steve Nash.
- Humanitarian Craig Kielburger.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Govenor General Michaelle Jean are also set to deliver messages. The benefit will be broadcast on CBC Television, CTV, Global Television, MTV, MuchMusic and National Geogrpahic Channel. The event will also be streamed live on the networks respective websites.
8-10p.m. Eastern Time: Hope For Haiti Now: A Global Benefit For Earthquake Relief
Organized by actor George Clooney, this American telethon has potential to create a global impact. Co-hosted by Clooney in Los Angeles, Wyclef Jean in New York, and Anderson Cooper from Port-au-Prince, the benefit will be twinkling with stars of all kinds as they line-up for what is sure to be a historic event. Highlights include:
- Performances by Madonna, Haitian artist Emeline Michel, Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting in New York. In L.A., Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, and Taylor Swift.
- The performances will be recorded and on-sale with profits also going towards Haiti relief efforts.
- Money raised and donations will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti Foundation.
The benefit will be broadcast on a plethora of channels including these major networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, CMT, PBS,
Sources:
Susan Schafer - My name is Susan Schafer. I am a 22-year-old journalism grad currently working as an Editorial Assistant for CBC News Network (Canada's ...
