Several Harry Potter cast members are doing their part for the less fortunate during the holiday season. Read about their generosity and be inspired.
The Christmas season is here, and people the world over are spreading good will towards their fellow human beings. The stars of the Harry Potter series are doing their part, as The Leaky Caldron chronicles.
Molly Weasley was always a generous character, and actress Julie Walters is no different. She’s become an ambassador for Midlands Air Ambulance. It is a charity that operates six air ambulances (planes or helicopters outfitted for medical use) that service Gloucestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands in central England. Walters, who is from the Midlands herself, talked to Express & Star about her decision.
"I am absolutely delighted to support and help raise awareness of the lifesaving work of the Midlands Air Ambulance charity in its 25th anniversary year as part of #AIR25. I was astonished to learn that the charity has to raise 7 million pounds each year and every year and receives no funding from either the Government of the National Lottery and relies solely on the generosity of the local people across the Midlands. The pilots, flying doctors and paramedics all do an incredible and amazing job literally saving lives every day. I fully support the lifesaving work of this brilliant charity across the entire Midlands area and would encourage the public to help make a difference by helping the charity of making a donation so that they can continue their brilliant work saving lives for another 25 years."
Coincidentally enough, James Phelps (Fred Weasley) has also agreed to become an ambassador for the charity, so those two will be able to catch up.
Emma Thompson’s Christmas Spirit
Emma Thompson (Professor Trelawney) is feeling the Christmas spirit, too. She’s participating in a new blog called ‘Yours, Mrs Claus‘ on behalf of ActionAid UK. It is a charity that supports women and children living in extreme poverty. The blog tells stories from Mrs. Claus’ perspective, and allows visitors to purchase gifts that will help children in stay get fed, cleaned and educated. Thompson talked to The Hamilton Spectator about the project:
"I was inspired by this campaign and the synergy that it draws between the often ‘hidden’ Mrs Claus, and the work that ActionAid does to support some of the most marginalised women and girls living in the poorest parts of the world. I have seen for myself how ActionAid champions these women and works with local volunteers to empower them to change their lives for good."
Rickman Keeps Giving
Finally, even though he died early this year, Alan Rickman (Professor Snape) is still helping the less fortunate. He did the voiceover for a brief video entitled “This Tortoise Could Save a Life” released during the Christmas season of 2015. Put together by OneClickGiving, the purpose of the video is simple: the more people watch it, the more ad revenue it generates, and the more money OneClickGiving can give to Save the Children and Refugee Council.
Next: A Muggle man recreated a “Pensieve” for his bride’s wedding present
In order to OneClickGiving gets the most out of your view, be sure to watch the video on YouTube. The tortoise is cute, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
Happy holidays to all.