LOS ANGELES/NEW YORK, 12 October 2009: British actor Orlando Bloom was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Monday, 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, and added: – We are proud to have Orlando Bloom as one of the strong voices for vulnerable children.
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.
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.
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.
