Orlando PSA for UNICEF

Actor Orlando Bloom was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2009, in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world. Although recently appointed, he has visited UNICEF programmes in Nepal, the Russian Federation, and Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2007. Born in Canterbury, Kent, in the United Kingdom, Mr. Bloom began studying art and drama from an early age – first at the British-American Drama Academy and then at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. In 1999, he was cast as Legolas in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ film trilogy. Mr. Bloom’s portrayal of Will Turner in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ movies solidified his popularity. He has made almost 20 films, including ‘Black Hawk Down’ and ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ – both directed by Ridley Scott – and ‘Elizabethtown’, directed by Cameron Crowe. He will next be seen in ‘Sympathy for Delicious’, directed by Mark Ruffalo, and director John Doyle’s ‘Main Street’. source Unicef.org
Thanks a lot to Jan of Ka-Bloom for catching the video
You can download the video at this link

Orlando Bloom Named UN Ambassador - Everest: A Climb for Peace Narrator Continues His Good Work…

Lance Trumbull, the director of "Everest: a Climb for Peace", the documentary narrated by the voice of Orlando, wrote an entry on his blog, speaking about Orlando named as Unicef ambassador. Here is the text:

I was extremely happy to read recently in the news that Everest: A Climb for Peace narrator (and Lord of the Rings star!) Orlando Bloom has been named goodwill ambassador for the UN Children’s organization UNICEF.

This is wonderful news as Orlando continues to do good in the world. Orlando Bloom’s first visit to Nepal came just a few weeks after he narrated my film in a sound studio in Hollywood in October 2007; one of the main film locations was Nepal. And the Everest Peace Project - through the help of its educational partner Room to Read - helped fund two libraries in Nepal for needy Nepalese children. Could it be that narrating my peace film and seeing the gorgeous Nepalese scenery and people inspired Orlando to reach out even further and to get involved in this incredible work with UNICEF?! Maybe…Probably not…but regardless, Orlando continues to provide his time for meaningful and worthy causes such as The Everest Peace Project film - Everest: A Climb for Peace (which was also endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama) and UNICEF. According to the BBC, his first task will be to film an appeal about the importance of clean water supplies.

Thanks again Orlando for all the good work that you do outside of Hollywood.

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Orlando Bloom and he was a true gentleman, professional and yet completely down to earth and as friendly as can be. Below is a horrible picture of me with Orlando. We were both having bad hair days! (And I was having a bad face day!)



And new pic, Orlando in the recording booth recording narration for Everest: A Climb for Peace:


www.everestpeaceproject.org

Orlando supports One Sun One Love musical

Orlando wrote a message of support for "One Sun One World" musical,the fifth environmental musical entertainment, written by Peter Rose and Anne Conlon. Commissioned by WWF-UK to mark its 50th anniversary, it celebrates our astonishing world in all its rich diversity.One Sun One World premiered performance in the Royal Albert Hall on October 22nd, 2009. The English Chamber Orchestra, augmented by senior students from the Royal College of Music, London, accompanied a combined choir of over 1500 children from schools throughout the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, accompanied by St Augustine's RC High School choir in Blackburn. Here is the message of support from Orlando:
I am reminded every day about the impact that each of us makes on the planet. My cousin takes photographs of the melting polar ice caps that are at once beautiful and alarming. And my sister is working to make her entire village "green," a place that will employ recycled building materials, rain water collectors, and solar panels.I believe that the real leadership on the issue of the environment will come from young people. It's their voice, speaking out about the concerns and passions they have, that will shape their future more than any official policies. They will soon step into a world that's theirs; so their views, their concerns about whether it will be stable and liveable, is vital for planning now in a conscious and ethical way. The role of education and art – the voice of creativity – is perhaps the most persuasive tool we have.It's with all this in mind that I support WWF's latest musical for schools, ‘One Sun One World.’Past productions have focused on the oceans, the Amazon rainforest, and urbanization in Africa. These musicals are subsequently produced by schools all over the world. Each child with his or her role to play; ‘One Sun One World’ centers on renewable resources and how we can make sustainable choices, every day.Combining youth, art, and public policy is what WWF is all about. I'm pleased to be able to celebrate WWF's 50th Anniversary with you and all of the creators and performers who have brought ‘One Sun One World’ to life.
Orlando Bloom
Read more about the musical at this link:
http://www.wwf.org.uk/what_we_do/working_with_schools/one_sun__one_world_musical/about_one_sun__one_world_musical/%22target=%22_blnak

Orlando for Be Love apparel

Here are two cute pics of Orlando posing for Be Love apparel. Be Love was created because the founders see nonviolence as Love, the highest Truth, and they are committed to supporting education and action that is aligned with the great teachings of nonviolence. The Be Love apparel brand is the powerful vehicle designed to sustain their mission.

source http://www.beloveforall.com/gallery/
thanks to Orlando Love for the heads up

Coleraine charity auction event

The organisers of the charity fashion show and celebrity auction at the Lodge Hotel this Friday have spoken of their sadness at the death of Boyzone singer Stephen Gately.
The star, who was found dead at his holiday home in Majorca on Sunday, was one of the celebrities who had donated auction items for the event in aid of breast cancer and the Alzheimer's Society.

Organiser Cindy Marshall said: "Donna Ward, who has secured lots of fantastic items for our celebrity auction, told me last night that the letter that Boyzone signed for us was probably one of the last things they all signed together before they all broke for holidays."

The letter is personally signed to Cindy who was going to keep it as a memento of the charity event.

"I was going to keep it as it has my name on it but will auction it off on the evening as I am sure there are so many fans out there that would really cherish it.

"The main item that was sent for the auction is a signed CD that Boyzone sent.

"The boys were so kind and so supportive of our fundraising event and it is so sad to think that only a few weeks ago Stephen signed these items," she said.

Indeed there are countless items up for auction including a Broadway programme signed by 'Tony Soprano' himself kaka actor James Gandolfini.

It's just the latest A-list celebrity item which has been donated for auction. Theatre buffs will be bidding high for a signed programme from a current Broadway play starring James Bond actor Daniel Craig and X-Men's Wolverine aka Hugh Jackman.

The play "A Steady Rain" made the headlines last week when Jackman stopped a performance to chastise an audience member whose mobile phone was ringing.

Added to the already impressive list of auction items are personally autographed CDs from Britney Spears, Mariah Carey and Aerosmith.

Actor Orlando Bloom has also donated a signed photo of himself and a photograph of him with his fellow actors from the comedy series "Extras".

Pictured in the photograph are Bloom himself, Ricky Gervais, Sir Ian McKellen, David Bowie and Coldplay's Chris Martin - all of whom have signed the picture. Orlando has also sent a letter of good luck to the event organisers - which will be auctioned on the night.
And there is much, much more up for auction from stars of stage, screen and the world of sport at the Lodge Hotel on October 16.

The event is now totally SOLD OUT however people can still phone in with auction bids. If you are interested in any of the items up for auction then call 028 7035 5888 and you will be issued with a phone number on which to bid during the night.

http://www.colerainetimes.co.uk/news/Gately39s-generosity-to-Coleraine-charity.5740913.jp

Orlando Bloom Named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

From prnewswire.com:

NEW YORK, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Actor Orlando Bloom was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador today, in recognition of his commitment to the rights of children around the world.

"Advocacy from UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors helps build momentum to improve the lives of children around the world," said UNICEF Executive Director, Ann M. Veneman. "We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children."

Mr. Bloom has already seen the work UNICEF is doing in Nepal, Russia, and Sarajevo. And he is committed to supporting UNICEF's efforts. "I look forward to working with UNICEF as they continue to make the world a better place for children," he said.

Mr. Bloom said he wants to be an active Ambassador for the children's organization. He will follow in the footsteps of such luminaries as Audrey Hepburn, Danny Kaye, Shakira, Sir Roger Moore, David Beckham, Jackie Chan, Mia Farrow, Vanessa Redgrave and many others. These ambassadors devote their time to raising awareness of UNICEF, and influencing global policy on behalf of children around the world.

Mr. Bloom has supported UNICEF's work since 2007, when he first visited schools in the remote western districts of Kaski and Chitwan, two of the poorest areas of Nepal. He was able to see how UNICEF's water and sanitation programmes benefit local families. In Nepal, Orlando spoke about the importance of education; and when asked by the children, he agreed to perform a small role in their local school radio production.

Mr. Bloom went to Nepal again in June 2008 to see how UNICEF and its partners are working to provide clean water for children and families. He has also visited the Krasnoselsky centre in Moscow, a shelter for children from economically vulnerable families.

Mr. Bloom said, "UNICEF doesn't just deliver humanitarian aid, which is what they are known for all over the world. They also educate and provide tools which help women and children face challenges specific to their own lives. I responded to how UNICEF works as much as I did to the work itself. I look forward to learning more and to supporting UNICEF any way I can."

To celebrate 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Orlando Bloom will, this week, record a Public Service Announcement (PSA) for UNICEF on the importance of clean and accessible drinking water. The PSA can be watched on: http://www.unicef.org/rightsite/364_374.htm

Wonderful news for a wonderful man!

Orlando and Make a Wish

Thanks to Sunstar of Ka-Bloom, we have a lovely article from the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho & Washington Fall 2008 newsletter:


Lovely as usual!

Dinner date with Orlando raised 9000 £ for charity

Orlando Bloom has sold a date with himself for £9,000.
The 'Pirates of the Caribbean' star auctioned off a dinner date at a star-studded charity bash for London's Great Ormond Street Hospital on Wednesday (17.06.09).
The 32-year-old actor was joined at the Victoria and Albert museum by Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, British TV presenter Vernon Kay and Jade Jagger as they helped raise over £450,000 for the children's charity.
Other lots up for sale included British driver Lewis' customised diamond-encrusted racing helmet, which fetched £30,000, and a high-speed lap of Silverstone racecourse before the start of this year's British Grand Prix.
Guests were treated to a champagne reception and an intimate performance by 'Warwick Avenue' singer Duffy.

Read more about this charity at official website:
http://www.gosh.org/

Orlando's mother stages charity auction

Orlando Bloom's mother is selling some of the costumes he wore while filming the Lord of the Rings trilogy in an attempt to clear out his room before she moves house.

Sonia Copeland Bloom said he didn't mind – as long as the proceeds went to charity.

Copeland Bloom, who lives in Canterbury, Kent, said: "I have spoken to Orlando, who is quite happy for me to get as much as I can for charity.

"There are some real collector's items among them and they will all be authenticated by me by letter."

Among the items up for grabs are a bodyline wetsuit used by Bloom, 32, when he filmed a scene with Elijah Wood in The Return of the King and a poster signed by the entire cast.

A pair of Moroccan slippers and boots he wore in The Kingdom of Heaven could also entice film buffs.

But fans of Bloom – who now lives in west London – can also get their hands on more personal items such as the badminton and tennis racquets he used as a boy.

Gucci shoes, Puma trainers, polo shirts and a hooded waterproof Gap jacket belonging to the star will also be auctioned.


Sonia Copeland Bloom said: "We are inviting people to send us bids, of which the top ones will be invited to see the items before submitting a further sealed bid."

She said any cash raised will be divided between four charities, Unesco, the New Marlow Theatre, cancer charity Odyssey and the UKC Music Scholarships.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2009/jun/18/orlando-bloom-lord-rings-sale

Orlando's watches auctioned by Antiquorum

Antiquorum’s summer sale of “ Important Collectors’ Wristwatches Pocket Watch & Clocks” on June 11th will have some Orlando Bloom's watches among the items.
The auction will be held at Antiquorum’s US headquarters on Madison Avenue. Clients will have the opportunity to view these exquisite, and in some cases unique, timepieces all over the world including Tokyo, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York.
According to their website:
Fans of the very popular actor Orlando Bloom will wan to bid on his collection of sport watches. This classically trained English actor has appeared in noteworthy films such as
“ The Lord of the Rings”, “Pirates of the Caribbean”, “Elizabethtown”, and “Kingdom of Heaven” that established him as a Hollywood star and leading man. He stars in upcoming films “New York, I Love You”, “Sympathy for Delicious” and “Main Street”. In addition to being a major Hollywood star, he is also an Ambassador for UNICEF to which a portion of the proceeds from these watches will be donated. Orlandos’s collection that will be offered in the Antiquorum June sale includes:
Breitling Steel Navitimer, produced in the late 1960’s. This timepiece is a fine, large, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with round button chronograph, registers, tachometer, telemeter and slide-rule. It is accompanied by an autographed copy of the auction catalogue.


Rolex”Oyster Perpetual, Explorer, Superlative Chronometer, Officially Certified,” Ref. 1016, produced in 1969. This timepiece is a fine and rare center seconds, self-winding water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch accompanied by an autographed copy of the auction catalogue.


Rolex, Ref 116400, Black PVD Milgauss, produced in 2008 . This timepiece is a very fine, self-winding, center seconds, water-resistant, stainless steel PVD-coated wristwatch, anti- magnetic to 1000 Grauss accompanied by an autographed copy of the auction catalogue.


Rolex, Ref 1655 “Steve McQueen”. This timepiece is a fine and very rare, center seconds, self-winding, water-resistant, stainless steel wristwatch with date, special 24-hour bezel, large orange arrow 24-hour hand, produced circa 1973. It is accompanied by an autographed copy of the auction catalogue.


More info HERE

thanks to orlandobloomwebworld.com for the heads up

Journey to the Arctic by Sebastian Copeland

In February 2007, Orlando went to Antarctica with his cousin, Sebastian Copeland, a well known photographer. Sebastian was going down taking photographs for a book he is doing called "Antarctica: The Global Warning". They spent three weeks on a 1950’s Norwegian icebreaker, the Lady Patagonia, and touched with their hands the effects of global warming in Antarctica. From then, the book of Sebastian has won numerous prizes and it represents a great message about protection of enviroment. Sebastian has now posted a video on his personal My Space, that shows his training for his last journey to Arctic, that is developing in these days, and some images of the 2007's trip. You can also see Orlando briefly in the video:

Sebastian Copeland - Journey to the Arctic

source http://www.myspace.com/sebastiancopeland
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For more informations about the book, visit http://www.antarcticabook.com/

You can also see Orlando in a video during the trip in Antarctica in 2007, this video is also in a cd enclosed with the book:

Orlando Bloom in Antarctica

WHO's Most Beautiful People issue

Orlando is cited in the last special issue of Australian magazine WHO:

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/who/

Orlando for Rough Common Pre-School

From an article in the today's edition of Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District:
"From Canterbury to Hollywood, actor Orlando Bloom has never been one to forget his roots.
So when he heard his former playgroup Rough Common PreSchool was in need of a helping hand he was only too happy to pitch in. Asked for an autograph to raffle off at their Easter Fair, he donated a bag of booty fit for any Pirate of the Caribbean.
Jenny Marks, pre-school supervisor, said: “We rely on fund-raising events to keep afloat, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped out.
“We had some brilliant raffle prizes thanks to Orlando Bloom, but also thanks to many, many others, such as the Gulbenkian, the Black Horse, King’s School Sports Centre and lots of donations from parents.
“We had a lovely day, and we raised £485 which will help us keep going.”
The pre-school, based at Rough Common village hall, was established in 1973 and Orlando Bloom was there for a couple of years around 1980.
Through his mother Sonia Copeland Bloom, he donated a section of the ‘bone ball’ from Pirates of the Caribbean II, a signed and framed poster, a drawing he made when he was a child, and a Lord of the Rings T-shirt presented to him at the premiere of the film in New Zealand.
It was a welcome haul for his former pre-school which, as a registered charity, relies on goodwill. It is also reliant on pupil numbers and is looking to fill its available spaces for this September.
Rough Common Pre-School, open to children aged two to school age, runs from 9.30am to noon on Mondays to Thursdays, and from 9.30am to 2.30pm on Fridays."

Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation

On 26th March 2007, at Beso restaurant in Los Angeles, Orlando attended a dinner to raise funds for the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation.
The EBMRF was joined by celebrity supporters Jennifer Aniston, Orlando Bloom , Courteney Cox, Eva Longoria, Kate Beckinsale, James Marsden, Jessica & Ashlee Simpson, Casey Affleck, Rashida Jones, Eve and others to celebrate the launch of their GivEBig campaign to raise $1 million. Thanks to Stiefel Laboratories' generous donation, the night was a huge success! Executive Vice President, Todd Stiefel, made the surprise announcement at the event via phone to co-host Ken Paves, confirming that the Company would match any donations up to $1 million. The private event was held at Beso in Hollywood and brought out supporters for an evening of good food, good music and giving back. The event, which was filmed for Oprah, was highlighted on her show the following week and helped bring EB into the spotlight.

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Epidermolysis Bullosa is an incurable genetic disorder that causes skin to become as fragile and easily torn as tissue paper.
Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation is a volunteer, non profit foundation dedicated to helping mediacl scientists learn more about EB, its causes, the development of successful treatments and, ultimately, its cure.
For more informations about the Foundation, give a look at:
http://www.ebkids.org/index.php

Orlando in Nepal for UNICEF, December 2007

In December 2007, Orlando Bloom visited Nepal on a four-day journey to various programme sites in the western districts of Kaski and Chitwan.
Besides touring UNICEF programmes, he visited Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
In Kalika village, Orlando’s forehead was smeared red with the ‘tika’ with which local women had welcomed him, and he wore garlands of flowers they had given him upon his arrival with the guests from UNICEF.
The members of a children’s club at a local school in the hills of Pumdi Bhumdi had a success story to narrate to Orlando. As the children explained, they have been instrumental in promoting safe hygiene and sanitation practices in their village.
In Pokhara, Orlando mingled with over three dozen blind girls and boys. He also played a small role in a mini-drama the children were recording that day for the UNICEF-supported radio programme ‘Saathi Sanga Manka Kura’ (Chatting with My Best Friend).
The drama dealt with the plight of girls in a hostel without a female warden. Orlando played the role of a guest who tries to offer the girls advice. “Talk about your problems,” he said, consulting the script provided by the children. “There’s no need to feel shy. It’s always good to talk about issues that concern you.”
Later, sitting cross-legged in the yard with children surrounding him, Orlando learned more about their studies, their ambitions and their world.
source http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/nepal_42416.html

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Here is a video that shows the trip of Orlando in Nepal:

thanks to Ka-Bloom for the video

Orlando for Soccer Aid 2008

In July 2008 Orlando travelled to Nepal with the Soccer Aid film crew. Their mission was to get an understanding of how people in rural Nepal get clean water.
You can read the narration of their trip at this link:
http://socceraid.unicef.org.uk/page.asp?page=34

Nepal is a beautiful mountainous country where many famous rivers have their source. Despite this, clean water is in desperately short supply for most of the population. Last year, 13,000 children died as a result of illnesses caused by drinking unsafe water.
UNICEF is working with its partners to build and maintain more taps and clean water outlets in Nepal. A lack of clean water and sanitation facilities means that children are getting sick or even dying. In some cases, children are missing out on an education due to illness, which is the best chance they have of building a better life.
Soccer Aid raised funds which will help UNICEF and its partners to:
- provide five new water supply outlets in the Udayapur district that will serve over 650 people
- repair and improve of four water schemes serving over 850 people in the Dadeldhura district
- employ local maintenance workers to manage the operation of their water system
- install clean water supply outlets and there training and education for the communities and schools about sanitation and how to look after the water systems in place.

Here is the appeal that Orlando recorded last year supporting this project:

thanks to Ka-Bloom for the video

Everest: A Climb for Peace

Narrated by Orlando Bloom and hailed as a "tremendous achievement" by the Dalai Lama. "Everest: A Climb for Peace" is not just a typical Everest film, but a socially relevant documentary about peace, war, and the human spirit - an inspirational film, which also has some of the most incredible Everest footage ever shot, including a dramatic rescue from near the summit of Everest.

Filmed on location in Nepal, Tibet, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, U.A.E, and the United States, the film chronicles the spectacular journey of 9 'peace climbers' from different faiths and cultures as they climb to the summit of the tallest mountain in the world. The focus is on Palestinian Ali Bushnaq and Israeli's Dudu Yifrah and Micha Yaniv. They come together and set aside their differences to forge a path of teamwork and cooperation to attempt to summit the world’s highest peak. This however, is easier said than done. Their nations have been embroiled in a brutal war for years; each believes they are on the right side of that war and each knows that on Everest the cooperation of your teammate is a matter of life and death.

Lance Trumbull, the director of this documentary, hasmarvellous words for Orlando and speaks about the making of the documentary. Trumbull was adamant he wanted Orlando and no one else for his project.

"I had decided that I really wanted him to narrate my film for I love his voice - it is very powerful and commanding and so I was determined to somehow make it happen," he says. "I tracked down and found his agent's contact information and then I sent her an email. I wasn't sure if she was going respond at all." Unfortunately, Bloom was filming the third in the Pirates of the Caribbean series at the time. But Trumbull did not give up. "I believe that Orlando was always very much into narrating the film, but it was just a matter of his schedule and so after a lot of backs and forths with his agent, and excitement and patience on my part, they agreed to make it happen and to fit it into his schedule whenever he could. All in all, it took about a year to make it happen, but it was definitely worth the wait. I met and directed him in a studio in Hollywood. Orlando was a wonderful guy, completely genuine and incredibly nice, and his voice was perfect for the film. I could not be happier. I feel extremely fortunate and blessed that it all came together".

source http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1023746.html

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"Everest: A Climb for Peace" was released in November 2007 and won numerous prizes. For more informations, visit: http://www.everestpeaceproject.org/

Antarctica: A Call to Action

Last year, in October, a new book from Sebastian Copeland, Orlando's cousin, was released. It is "Antarctica: A call to Action" and is the sequel to Copeland's bestselling "Antarctica: The Global Warning".

Along with exceptional new photographs, Antarctica: A Call To Action is a concise and visually compelling discussion about global warming with a hopeful and helpful new take: each of us can make a positive difference through small changes. With insightful commentary, the purity of undoctored photographs and "takeaways" provide readers with simple lifestyle changes to help preserve Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. A highly accessible and hopeful book, "Antarctica: A Call to Action" will inspire everyone to save this magnificent continent for future generations.

Orlando wrote the following Foreword for the book:"My cousin asked me to take a trip with him to Antarctica in December 2006. It immediately appealed to me--the promise of the adventure, the wide-open seas. This would be the journey of a lifetime and would fulfill my longstanding dream of witnessing a seldom visited environment that is increasingly threatened by the way we live today. Although in reality it seemed a daunting idea, the opportunity was too good to miss.My cousin's enthusiasm is always contagious. He's a true adventurer and a passionate believer that it is within our grasp to make a difference. For as long as I can remember, the environment has always been a great topic of conversation between us. With his knowledge and insight, I always felt as if I had a privileged view into what was really happening to the world around me, and so the opportunity to see it up close for myself was a gift.I had seen the images from his first trip to the south in 2006 and was intrigued to find.

No words, no conversation, nor photographs could have prepared me for this experience. We left Ushuaia, the world's southern-most seaport, on January 20th, 2007, for a three-day crossing to Antarctica. The Ice Lady Patagonia, a decommissioned 1950's Norwegian coastguard icebreaker, would be our home for the next month. With its Spartan accommodations, this was hardly a luxury cruise.Moving through the Drake Passage is literally a rite of passage for anyone entering this precious land. It is also, as my cousin jokes, "What separates the men from the boys."Three days on the open seas, crossing the most treacherous body of water on Earth, is enough to clear one's head of all the trappings of everyday life. We would have no communication whatsoever with the outside world until our return to port. And for me, that would be a gift.It is impossible to put into words the feeling of my first sighting of an iceberg on the horizon. Like modern day dinosaurs, these towering blocks of ice are nine times greater below the surface and lay in tranquility, reminding me of a land hardly known and of a time long forgotten. But what struck me most was the deafening silence that would be interrupted only by the occasional screech of a gull, a penguin, or a breaching whale. This was a true natural wonderland, untouched by man. One can't help but feel humbled--and yet connected--when one truly understands our position in the natural order, that we are only one of 30 million species inhabiting this planet.Life on the research icebreaker fell into a rhythm of shared tasks and responsibilities. But making landfall off the zodiac, scuba diving, or climbing an iceberg (only to snowboard down it) more than fulfilled any childhood dreams of adventure and voyaging the great outdoors.Because I had never experienced an environment such as this, I had nothing to compare it to and it would not be honest of me to claim that I witnessed firsthand the changes taking place due to global warming. But what I did witness was a vibrant and powerful ecosystem which felt both majestic and incredibly fragile. To know that minute shifts in temperature, which have been stable for thousands of years, have such a huge impact on the balance of this place is an upsetting reality. The idea that the way we live our lives day to day has such an enormous impact on the natural cycle of the earth is a very hard concept to grasp. And yet the accelerated melting of the ice has consequences on our lives thousands of miles away, from our seasonal crop cycle to our basic water usage. These are truths upon which scientists around the world have unanimously agreed. A hurricane in London at the end of 2007, the water shortage in Atlanta, and the heat waves in New York in the fall of 2007 were all but a few signs pointing to a shift in the natural cycle that impacts our daily lives.It is my hope that the images my cousin has captured so dramatically and with such commitment will incite people to learn more and to appreciate what is truly at stake.We are all invited to escape within the pages of this beautiful book but, more importantly, this is a call to action for each of us, to learn to appreciate what we can do to protect and cherish our own backyard, this remarkable environment, Earth: our home. Thanks and respect to my cousin."

"Antarctica: A Call to Action" is available for purchase at this site: http://earthawareeditions.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=62

In Russia for UNICEF, 16th November 2008

During his visit in Russia in November 2008, Orlando went to the Krasnoselsky social shelter in the centre of Moscow.

The children in the shelter have come from vulnerable families no longer able to take care of them, frequently because of enormous economic and social pressures. Many have been neglected and forced to survive on their own, living some or all of the time on the street, where they are exposed to all sorts of risks both physical and psychological. Orlando Bloom went to see the UNICEF-supported shelter, on his first visit to Russia as he wanted to understand for himself the work being done for those children who really need help. Orlando was impressed with the work the shelter is doing to reintegrate the children back into their original families. UNICEF’s Representative in Russia, Bertrand Bainvel, explains that “the work this shelter is doing is important in offering immediate care to children found in extremely hazardous and difficult situations, and in helping them to recover and reintegrate into society. UNICEF is pleased to see that in Russia, much more priority is now being placed on minimizing these situations in the first place either by supporting vulnerable families or developing alternative family based care when it is not in the best interest of the child to grow up in its biological family.”The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) supports a number of institutions offering rehabilitation and support to such children in Moscow and St Petersburg, but also works at regional and national levels to promote social services that provide intervention and support starting from early interventions up to reintegration.

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For more informations about UNICEF work in Russia, go at this link: http://www.unicef.org/russia/index.html

InStyle website, stragglers

In December 2008, the website of InStyle magazine posted some pictures of Orlando during his trips in Nepal, and some quotes from Orlando himself.


credit to http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20240461_20241965,00.html

At Australia Unites Telethon, 12th February 2009

On 12th February 2009, Orlando partecipated at Australia Unites Telethon in Melbourne. This event raised money for people and areas involved in the terrible bushfires that set place across the Australian state of Victoria on and around Saturday 7 February 2009, resulting in Australia's highest ever loss of life from a bushfire.
Here is a video of Orlando's appearance at the Telethon:

thanks to Ka-Bloom for the video

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Australian Red Cross launched a record breaking appeal, that will close on Friday 17th April 2009. So, if you want to donate, go at this link: http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm

Orlando visited Nepal for UNICEF, December 2007

In December 2007, Orlando paid a visit to Nepal as UNICEF ambassador. In this occasion, Orlando was involved as a guest in a radio programme called " Chatting with My Best Friend". This radio programme, produced by a team of young professionals from the non-governmental organization Equal Access Nepal, has won the 2008 International Children's Day for Broadcasting (ICDB).

At this link: http://www.ssmk.org/node/157 there is an article about his visit and experience with the children.

Orlando visited UNICEF in Sarajevo, August 2008

In August 2008 Orlando was in Sarajevo to discuss one new movie project, Fools Rush In. While he was there, he paid a visit to the local UNICEF group. Here are some pics of Orlando visiting UNICEF in Sarajevo, on 12th August 2008:

http://patch274.romandie.com/

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If you want to learn more about UNICEF work in Bosnia and Herzegovina, go here: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/bosniaherzegovina.html

At Mummy Rocks event

On 18th March 2009, Orlando with Kate Moss, Sadie Frost, Tamara Beckwith-Veroni, Jenny Frost, Trinny Woodall, Jamie Hince, Amber Aitken, Melissa Odabash, Charlotte Tilbury, Serena Rees and Mick Jones together with a host of special guests from the worlds of music and fashion came together to celebrate the role of mothers and to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity.

Jeweller to the stars, Stephen Webster hosted his first event as Creative Director at Garrard with a champagne reception followed by an exclusive auction which helped to raise £60,000 for the hospital.

Auction lots include an exclusive Stephen Webster 18ct White gold, White Diamond and Ruby ‘Mummy Rocks’ locket, lunch with Stephen Fry, a meet and greet with Simon Cowell with tickets to Britain’s Got Talent and the ultimate kiss-o-gram – from Kate Moss herself - sold for a massive £5,000.

Guests were then treated to an incredible musical performance from rock legend and Clash front man Mick Jones and an impromptu guest appearance from Orlando Bloom who got up on stage to join Mick in singing ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go.’

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MUMMY ROCKS! is the new event to celebrate the role of mothers and to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity in raising £50million a year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, buy vital equipment and fund pioneering research.

Courtesy of http://www.gosh.org/news/latest-news/2009-archive/mummy-rocks/, pic courtesy of Orlando Love

Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity

In August 2007 Orlando goes to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London and he is also cited in the website of Great Ormond:"In August 2007, our 18-month-old son Harvey had a party organised by the play specialists and cardiac team to celebrate his 100th day on a Berlin heart.
"The party was in the Ladybird's playroom, where Harvey is being treated for a heart condition. He really enjoyed his day - particularly the music and dancing.
"Harvey also loved the day that film star Orlando Bloom popped in to say hi!"

source www.gosh.org

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Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity has the mission to raise money to enable Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide world-class care for its young patients and their families and to pioneer new treatments and cures for childhood illness.

You can find more informations at the official website:

http://www.gosh.org/

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to all. My name is Elena, aka mayfrayn, and I'm a huge fan of actor Orlando Bloom. I appreciate his artistic talent and his movies, but here I want to pay a tribute to his great involvement in charities.
Orlando is such an extraordinary man, and he dedicates
a lot of his time to several charities. He is particularly involved in charities regarding children and always shows love, dedication, and care to causes that need help and attention.
This blog is a tribute to his great heart and example.

Lauren's First and Goal

This is a beautiful story about a young girl, and her meeting with Orlando.Lauren is a 12-year-old girl, and she is also a brain tumor survivor who has been living with a diagnosis of multiple brain and spinal cord tumors, Neurofibramatosis and Evan's Syndrome, since she was nine months old.According to this blog:" Lauren is one of the most sunny, optimistic, unique, loving and courageous people you will ever get the chance to meet.
Last week-end, she met Orlando Bloom, who is one of her favourite.Here is her story:"You people are not going to believe this but…. thanks to the most wonderful, caring and amazingly persistent friends, and the most trusting and generous new friends on the other end, Lauren lived out her fantasy of meeting her all time favorite, Orlando Bloom in LA this past weekend. Lauren, Gracie, Amper and I drove up to Orlando’s beautiful house on Sunday for brunch where we were greeted by Sidi, his sweet dog in the driveway. A few seconds later, Orlando was walking down the steps with his arms wide open greeting Lauren and the rest of us with hugs and kisses. He held Lauren’s hand and helped her navigate the steps as he took us for a walk up through his beautiful garden, and we all enjoyed a wonderful brunch of Lauren’s favorites (including bacon) in his dining room. I think Lauren was partly in shock as she sat next to him, and she forgot most of the things she had planned to ask him, but it didn’t matter one bit.
I have to say that I was a bit nervous as to how all of this would work out, and I was afraid that Lauren would be disappointed – I mean really, how could anyone possible live up to the expectations that she had built up in her mind. And I have to think that his assistant Adam was sweating bullets, wondering if these potential freaks from the east coast were going to do some irreparable harm to his star client. All I can say is that Orlando Bloom has a new batch of lifelong fans, and hopefully we are of the kind that didn’t freak him and Adam out. Not only was he absolutely normal and down to earth, but he was so warm and friendly to all of us and so attentive to Lauren – he even wiped a booger from Lauren’s nose! Who does that?!!! Witnessing Lauren’s dream come true was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received, and my heart is swelling with gratitude. Thank you Orlando. Thank you Adam. Thank you Kristine and Wendy. Thank you to all of you who hold us up with your prayers, kindness and love."
source http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurenloose


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What can I say? Thanks Orlando, and thanks to you, Lauren, for being such brave and optimistic. For all the people that want to know more, Lauren's First and Goal is a charitable organization created to raise funds to support pediatric brain tumor research, support local pediatric cancer services, provide financial assistance to families living with a pediatric cancer diagnosis and to raise public awareness regarding pediatric brain tumors.You can read more here:http://www.laurensfirstandgoal.org/home.html

Tap with a Beat

Orlando attended on 21st March 2009 at the Tap with a Beat Benefit Show in LA, where he gave a speech about his experience in Nepal as UNICEF ambassador.

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Tap Project was born in 2007 in New York City based on a simple concept: restaurants would ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all funds raised would support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.Growing from just 300 New York City restaurants in 2007 to over 2,300 across the country in 2008, the Tap Project has quickly grown into a national movement. Restaurants, corporations, volunteers, advertising agencies, community groups, local governments and everyday diners participated to save millions of children’s lives.During World Water Week, March 22-28, 2009, the Tap Project once again raised vital donations and awareness for UNICEF’s water and sanitation programs. For every dollar raised, a child will have clean drinking water for 40 days. All funds raised support UNICEF’s efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

For more information: http://tapproject.org/

Donate through this link: http://www.tapproject.org/donate/