12 October 2009: Orlando Bloom named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK - 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 organisation. 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 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.
In November 2008 Orlando Bloom visited one of UNICEF projects in Moscow and met with children living in Krasnoselsky social shelter. 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. Mr. Bloom did a lot to attract attention to children’s problems around the world, for example to the issue of providing clean drinking water in Nepal and to the situation of children in Sarajevo. About UNICEF For additional information, please contact:
Photo essay Photo essay of Orlando Bloom's visit to the Krasnoselsky social shelter in Moscow (2008) [View photo essay] ЮНИСЕФ |
