OneXOne Gala Raises Funds For A Worthy Cause
Posted September 13, 2009 12:39 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
He’s played an undercover spy, a high-stakes thief, and a creepy American impersonator. But there’s one role Matt Damon has tackled with possibly more gusto than any in his career: ambassador for impoverished African children.
The popular Hollywood actor can be credited with bringing unprecedented attention to a cause that began in the backyard of Rogers Cable CEO Edward Rogers.
In 2004, Diesel Canada’s Joelle Adler had an idea for a charity based on one person helping one child through donations. She needed funding and approached Rogers for help.
Two years later, Damon – an activist for clean water in Africa – came to Toronto to host the group’s fundraiser and soon signed on full-time. Since then the charity has been featured on CNN, has garnered support from Pepsi and, more importantly, has raised $7 million.
On Saturday, fans lined up for hours outside the Kool Haus to catch a glimpse of Damon at the OneXOne gala, proving how effective his star power has been in bringing attention to the cause.
And other celebrities have followed his lead. Mary J. Blige performed at the event and a long line of paparazzi-ready stars including Beenie Man and Raptor Chris Bosh made their way down the red carpet.
For more information or to donate to OneXOne, click here.
