Press

Star-studded global concert to raise funds for Haiti

PRESS RELEASE
Hope for Haiti Now

KUALA LUMPUR, 22 January 2009 – More than 100 artists, many of whom are long-time supporters of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emergency work, will come together for a star-powered ‘Hope for Haiti Now’ global concert to benefit the Haiti earthquake relief.

George Clooney, who helped organise the event with MTV Networks, will helm the proceedings in Los Angeles, while Wyclef Jean and CNN's Anderson Cooper will join in from New York and Haiti, respectively.

Viewers in Malaysia can watch the live telecast on Saturday, 23 January at 9AM on the following channels available on ASTRO:

§ 511: CNN

§ 713: MTV

Expected highlights from the telecast include U2's Bono and The Edge joining Jay-Z and Rihanna in London for a one-of-a-kind performance.

Kid Rock, Keith Urban and Sheryl Crow are among those who will appear in Los Angeles, and Bruce Springsteen, Mary J Blige and Shakira are set to take part in the New York portion of the show.

The two-hour, star-studded telethon is set to be one of the most widely distributed prime-time televised benefits in history, appearing simultaneously on more than 25 networks. Facebook and Twitter are the official social-media partners for the telethon.

All donations will benefit Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF and Wyclef's Yele Haiti foundation. The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and United Nations World Food Programme will also benefit from the telethon's efforts, as aid will be split evenly among each organisation's relief programs for the ravaged island.

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Haiti Earthquake 2010
On 12 January 2010, a 7.3 earthquake - the most powerful to hit Haiti in a 100 years - struck shortly before 5 p.m. and was centered about 15 kilometres southwest of Port-au-Prince. The epicenter was in Carrefour and the affected area is the West Province. The quake was quickly followed by several strong aftershocks from 5.9 to 5.0 magnitude. Assessments suggest that some 3 million people -- half of whom are likely children -- are affected by the disaster.

§ Haiti and her people

§ About the Earthquake

Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal (Malaysia)
UNICEF has launched a "Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal" in Malaysia to support individuals and companies who wish to contribute to our work in Ringgit Malaysia. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.unicef.org/malaysia/