My Favourite Billion Richard Branson raises funds for flood victims

[Durran3]

Sir Richard Branson and singer Imogen Heap have joined forces to host an online benefit to help the millions of Pakistanis affected by the devastating floods.

The benefit will raise awareness about the humanitarian crisis caused by the flooding -- with experts from several charitable organizations participating in a discussion about the disaster. In addition to a performance by Imogen Heap, the webcast will also feature special guests Ben Folds, Amanda Palmer, Kate Havnevik, KT Tunstall, Josh Groban, Kaki King and Zoe Keating, each lending their musical talent to the fundraiser.

According to the event's website, viewers are encouraged to make an online donation to help flood victims. The donations will go to a fund set up by Virgin Unite, the foundation arm of Branson's company, to benefit 13 British nonprofit organizations working in Pakistan. Virgin Unite also offers a list of other ways to contribute to relief efforts, including Canadian and American organizations providing supplies to Pakistani families.

 

[Durran3]

Angelina Jolie has donated almost twice as much as Zardari to Pakistan relief efforts

he comparison is another embarrassment for Mr Zardari, who travelled to Europe even as the full scale of the flooding became apparent.

His handling of the floods has been roundly condemned, and now his donation of five million rupees, or $58,000 (£37,000), has been highlighted.

Farhatullah Babar, Mr Zardari’s spokesman, said the comparison was unfair.

“We appreciate what Angelina Jolie has done, but it is not some sort of race,” he said.

Mr Zardari is known as one of the country’s richest businessmen having amassed a fortune while his wife Benazir Bhutto was prime minister during the 1990s, earning the nickname Mr Ten Per Cent for his alleged taste in kickbacks.

Pakistan’s anti-corruption body claims he has amassed a property empire worth almost £1 billion, with a chateau in France, homes in Britain, Spain and Florida, and bank accounts in Switzerland.

Jolie, who is a Unicef goodwill ambassador, said she was concerned about the sluggish response to appeals for cash.

She added that she understood “it is getting hard for people – they see Haiti, they see these other events ... and they get exhausted by the time another big one rolls around”.

She has also hinted that she may visit the devastated country as media coverage fades.

The Pakistani government has confirmed 1,600 people have been killed and more than 2,300 wounded. The catastrophe has already affected more than 17 million people and left eight million dependent on aid. Officials warn millions more are at risk from disease and food shortage.

Sir Anthony Bamford, the JCB chairman, donated two backhoe loader diggers worth a total of £160,000 to help in the reconstruction programme.

“Britain has been leading the way with the level of its donations to Pakistan and as a British manufacturer I am keen for us to help in any way possible and hope that JCB’s donation of machines can assist in some small way,” he said.

 

[sergente rehan]

This shows that even the foreigners are donating more then Zardari......and i've some serious concerns on the donations made by him if they will really used to help the flood victims or they will end up again in the pockets of zardari & Co! Just Shame on Zardari for all that he robbed from Pakistan in kickbacks and corruption, atleast give back 10% of all that.

Angelina Jolie is my favorite Hollywood actress and she has done a lot for Pakistan during earthquake and she's offering her help again for flood victims now days. She has visted Pakistan before and is willing to do again. Government and people of Pakistan must acknowledge her efforts and beside all she is a great actress!