We’re used to hearing about the demands that some of Hollywood’s biggest names frequently voice on movie sets or at various concert venues. Perhaps that’s why there is so much press generated when any one of Tinseltown’s mega-watt stars illustrate a preference to give than to receive.
In just the last week we’ve read that Angelina Jolie regularly donates a third of her income to charitable causes. Then billionaires Warren Buffet and Bill Gates announced that they are giving half of their fortunes to charity. Just a few days ago the pop-rock band, Hootie and The Blowfish kicked off a concert series designed to aid impoverished school children. Now, Academy Award-winning actor, Nicolas Cage is flexing his philanthropic muscle.
According to Amnesty International, Cage is donating $2 million to help fund “rehabilitation shelters, medical services and psychological and reintegration services for an estimated 300,000 former child soldiers.” But, this multi-million dollar contribution is not the only act of goodwill Cage has bestowed on the agency. The 42-year-old actor has helped the agency for more than two years.
In a video statement filmed by Cage, he said: “I understand that this pledge is not a solution for the problem.” He went on to say that he hoped that his contribution would at least help turn the spotlight on the tragic subject of child soldiers. He asked those watching his taped message to think of their own children, “then imagine a warlord dropping a gun into his hand and forcing him to kill someone. He’s eight years old. He hasn’t kissed a girl yet or fallen in love, but he’s killed a man. What does that do to a child’s mind? Sounds like a nightmare? It’s reality for some families.”
The United Nations estimates there are at least 300,000 child soldiers participating in armed conflicts in the world today.
Cage won an Oscar for his role in 1995’s “Leaving Las Vegas.” His other screen credits include “Adaptation” and the upcoming, much-anticipated movie, “World Trade Center.”