Whether it's Brad Pitt helping rebuild hurricane-ravaged New Orleans, or his partner Angelina Jolie working with the United Nations to ease the plight of refugees, celebrities are not only in a unique position to be philanthropic but could even be considered required to BE so. While it's certainly easy for a star to benefit from the added publicity and/or tax deductions associated with being attached to a charitable organization, most A-listers actually walk the walk. Some, like Bono, Paul Newman, Leonardo DiCaprio and Elizabeth Taylor, have taken it to a whole new level and could be ultimately better remembered for their philanthropy than for their contributions to pop culture.

Celebrity Charities blossomed during World War II, when movie idols like John Wayne, James Stewart and Clark Gable were signing up for combat duty while their female counterparts stayed home and planted Victory Gardens, sold war bonds and volunteered at the Hollywood Canteen. In the post-war years, women's minority rights took center stage and Audrey Hepburn made UNICEF a household name. With the advent of AIDS, the aforementioned Dame Elizabeth broke new ground and would ultimately be joined by the entire showbiz community in making a difference. Elton John and Sharon Stone have marched to the front of the battle line with their involvement. Bette Midler was cleaning up parks and highways long before 'Eco-phrases' were being coined. These days, if a celebrity DOESN'T have a designated charity, the public is practically left scratching their collective heads as to how a privileged person could be so selfish.

Interestingly, some stars generosity is met with cynicism because of the 'tall poppy' perception it creates (eg. Oprah Winfrey notoriously touts her goodwill on her daily talk show and monthly magazine). 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you' is the Golden Rule everyone should follow, not just the Rich and Famous. Through volunteerism, anyone can make a difference in the lives of others without having to write a check. So let's not be too hard on Tinseltown types who are out there doing something positive who knows what the initial motivation may be as long as it brings results to people in need, that's the most important thing. Hey, if Paris Hilton wants to make a big photo opp out of helping others, I'd much prefer seeing that to footage of her staggering out of a nightclub without her knickers.

Many stars, like Tom Cruise and Michael J. Fox, donate their time and money without any fanfare at all. In fact, here are some 'under-the-radar' affiliations that may surprise you: Halle Berry - Domestic violence Gene Wilder - Families living with cancer Steven Spielberg - Anti-bigotry Barbra Streisand - The Salk Institute and John Wayne Cancer Institute Gary Sinese - Iraqi children Jane Fonda - Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Richard Gere - International Campaign for Tibet Julia Roberts - Dignity-Haitian Literacy The Baldwin Brothers - Breast cancer Jeff Bridges and Jeff Goldblum - End Hunger Network Sean Combs - Camps for inner city youth

Of course the list is as long as the Hollywood Walk of Fame. So if you have a favourite movie star, why don't you do an online search and find out a charitable organization they support and become a fan of THAT, as well!? It could be as great a way to support your idol as buying a ticket to their next film. By the way, I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that my designated charity is Camp Heartland, which provides educational and summer camp opportunities for kids living with HIV/AIDS. You can find out more about their great work at www.campheartland.org