Madonna’s special birthday celebrations
American pop star Madonna says she will celebrate her 60th birthday with a fundraising activity whose proceeds will go towards supporting orphans and children in Malawi.
The artist told The Associated Press that the proceeds will benefit her charity, Raising Malawi Foundation.
“I have teamed up with Facebook for the fundraiser which runs from August 6 to August 31. Fans can donate directly to the Madonna Facebook page or start their own fundraiser on social media site,” she is quoted as having said.
Madonna said all proceeds will be accounted for and audited by the global payments company Ripple.
“I have unwavering supporting commitment to providing vulnerable children with a loving home. For my birthday, I cannot think of a better gift than connecting my global family with this beautiful country and children who need our help most,” she said.
Madonna said every dollar raised will go towards buying meals, school blocks construction and health care.
“I want to come together with my friends, fans and supporters to change the lives of Malawian children and let them know they are nurtured, protected and loved,” she said.
Madonna has four adopted children from Malawi, namely David, Mercy, Stella and Esther.
Through her charity Raising Malawi, she has also funded the construction of a modern children’s surgery called Mercy James Centre for Paediatric Surgery and Intensive Care at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.
The centre has a 50-bed ward, a day clinic, an intensive care unit and three theatres.
QECH director Dr Andrew Gonani told the media during the centre’s first anniversary in July that patients and families continue to share positive feedback about excellent patient care at the centre.
“The new centre’s technology and equipment has exceeded our expectations as a regional model of excellence,” he said.
Madonna founded her charity, Raising Malawi, in 2006 to address the poverty and hardship endured by Malawi’s orphans and vulnerable children.
She told the media on her recent visit that she will continue supporting children in Malawi and hinted at plans to construct a soccer academy.
According to www.raisingmalawi.org, the charity partners local organisations to provide Malawian children and their caregivers with critical resources including education and medical care. n
