Jonathan Rhys-Meyers Supports HOPE
18th August 2008

The HOPE Foundations 24-hour volunteer fast was launched today by HOPE ambassador Jonathan Rhys-Meyers. HOPE, who work for the street children of Kolkata, are organising the 24-hour fast in conjunction with the National Day of Volunteering ‘Give it A Swirl Day’, which will take place on Friday the 26th of September 2008.

HOPE is encouraging everyone nationally to get involved, get sponsored and get fasting! The foundation is hoping to have over 2,500 people abstaining on the day for the abused and abandoned street children of Kolkata.

Taking a break from his work on The Tudors to support this worthwhile event, Jonathan urged people to get involved with the fast adding, “Together we can make a difference”.

He continued: “The support of the worlds children must be nourished and by doing so everyone will benefit.” HOPE is calling on all those interested to join them on the 24-Hour Sponsored Fast and help HOPE’s work with the most vulnerable in our society – the forgotten street children of Kolkata.

Maureen Forrest, Founder and Director of HOPE said: “Even when time is precious there are still ways to make a difference, by volunteering our services in the developing countries or here in Ireland. HOPE’s 24-hour fast is a great opportunity for everyone to volunteer – wherever you are! Whether it is at home, at school or at work.”

All money raised will go towards HOPEs projects, particularly in its fight against the most violent of crimes against children – child trafficking and child labour. Over 48,000 children go missing in India each year. HOPE fights for the rights of these forgotten children. With your help HOPE will be able to save more children from being trafficked, abused or killed.

To join the fast or learn more today log onto www.hopefoundation.ie, call HOPE on 021-4292990 or email office@hopefoundation.ie.

The Hope Foundation is partnering with The Volunteer Centers Ireland for Give it a Swirl Day 2008 – the national day of volunteering.

PLEASE BE A VOLUNTEER FOR JUST ONE DAY –
IT COULD MEAN A LIFETIME CHANGE FOR ONE CHILD

Sources: Hope Foundation, tdonline

Meyers to be face of ‘Calcutta’ charity
By Ralph Riegel
Tuesday February 19 2008

AN IRISH charity last night celebrated securing Golden Globe winning actor, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, as its international goodwill ambassador.

The 31-year-old Cork actor has agreed to work with the Hope Foundation to highlight the plight of street children in India.

Hope — which was founded in Cork nine years ago — is now involved in a total of 57 different projects in India including ventures to help street children in Calcutta.

Rhys-Meyers will now work with the charity to highlight their work — and he is expected to visit India to record a special TV documentary on the Irish charity’s operations.

The Irish star — whose mother died tragically in Cork last year — is regarded as one of the world’s top young actors.

Despite being just 30, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers has already appeared in 35 major film and TV productions and is regarded as one of the world’s brightest acting talents.

The past 18 months has marked a dramatic ascent in the actor’s fortunes with a Golden Globe award, several critically acclaimed films and a starring role in the steamy British TV series ‘The Tudors’, playing King Henry VIII.

Last night, Hope official Maureen Forrest admitted they were thrilled with the support of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers.

“He is committed to visit Calcutta and to do a documentary in Calcutta with the children. He is terribly interested in children’s rights so he has spoken very positively about trying to highlight the problems with child trafficking and child labour,” Ms Forrest said.

“He is going to be in Ireland for the next four months so he has also said he wants to work with us as closely as possible.”

Rhys Meyers to help Calcutta children

Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers has revealed his plans to champion the rights of children living on the streets of Calcutta.

The Hollywood star was unveiled at a ceremony in Dublin today as the ambassador for the Hope Foundation, a charity formed in his native Cork.

Rhys Meyers said: “I’m deeply honoured to become an ambassador for an organisation like the Hope Foundation.”

“Hope, an initiative started in my native Cork over eight years ago, has provided shelter, medical care and support to some of the world’s poorest and most mistreated children, the street children of Calcutta.”

“If I can use my name and celebrity to advance awareness of the great work the Hope Foundation does in some small way then I am delighted to be able to do so.”

Rhys Meyers plans to visit Calcutta this year to see for himself the appalling conditions the street children are forced to live in.

Hope, founded in 1999 by a group of women in Cork, works with its 13 Indian NGO partner groups to take children off the streets and improve their quality of life.

Hope director Maureen Forrest said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Jonathan as our ambassador and we look forward to forging a strong relationship with him.”

Rhys Meyers was named Best Lead Actor in a Television Drama for his role in ‘The Tudors’ at last night’s Irish Film and Television Awards.

Source: RTÉ

You can find out more about the work the Hope Foundation does on their website.