15 Stars Who Do Charity Work Because They’ve Experienced Firsthand How Difficult Life Can Be

We often see lists of the highest-paid celebrities in various publications. Sometimes, looking at the impressive sums suggested by the accountants, you can’t help but wonder, “Why does one person need so much money?” Many stars might answer it with: “for good deeds”, as many of them are involved in charity work because they know, from experience, how important it is to receive help and support from others.

Ed Sheeran

At one of his recent charity concerts, Ed Sheeran burst into tears right on stage talking about why he takes part in these events. He spoke about his friend, who helped and supported the singer early in his career, and who passed away at the age of 31. The new songs, in which the musician talks about his experiences, will play their part in a great cause — they’ll become part of a campaign aimed at raising awareness about mental health.

Cardi B

According to Cardi B, she had a complicated teenagehood and made many mistakes in her life. However, it was her school that helped her to get back on the right track. The star recalls the special way her teachers treated her. Years later, the singer got the opportunity to thank her saviors. She donated a large sum of money to the school’s performing arts program.

Shannen Doherty

When Shannen Doherty faced her battle with cancer, she received a lot of support from friends and fans. And this support didn’t just take the form of words, but also deeds. At one point, the famous patient needed blood donors, which were immediately found. Then the star promised that after recovery, she would become a donor herself and would definitely help other people in the same way.

Now the actress is still fighting her battle but finds the strength to support others in this situation. For example, she publicly raises awareness of the troubles people with cancer face when trying to find work: “You get written off so quickly, even though you’re vital and healthy and happy and wanting to go out there and work. So, I’m sharing in order to hopefully give a different face to all of this.”

Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber makes no secret of the fact that a celebrity’s life, unfortunately, is not a life of happiness, but one of constant ups and downs. And such fluctuations have a negative impact on one’s mental health. The singer was diagnosed with depression, which led him to visit various doctors and undergo a long course of therapy. After that, the star had a newly gained sympathy for people with similar problems. He donated a large sum of money to help people facing psychological illnesses.

Zendaya

One cannot say Zendaya was born with a golden spoon in her mouth. As the sixth child of a schoolteacher, the actress was taught to work hard from a young age. For example, as a toddler, Zendaya sold theater tickets to help her family. That’s why, as an adult, she never misses an opportunity to support children like herself. In 2019, the actress went to her childhood school and provided the students there with all the necessary school supplies.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s road to recognition was a thorny one. She was raised by a single mother, who worked several jobs to provide for her family. Although Patricia Carey was an opera singer herself, there was nothing she could do to help her daughter’s career. Mariah had to knock on closed doors for a long time, offering recording studios her demos, all the while renting a tiny flat with 4 students.

As we already know, the singer managed to make her dream come true. So she decided to help young talents who, like herself in the past, cannot afford a good education. Back in the 90s, Mariah started working with the Fresh Air Fund, which facilitates the arts for underprivileged children. The singer has been honored more than once for this good cause.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah had to keep trying for a long time before Hollywood finally accepted her and gave her a chance to showcase her talent. According to Latifah, she faced prejudice many times. Still, her tenacity prevailed and she became a real star. Now Queen Latifah helps other women achieve success. She is working with Proctor & Gamble to promote women directors in the film industry.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is often described as one of the best footballers of his era. However, he may as well be described as having one of the biggest hearts. The sportsman regularly donates huge sums of money to help people. In particular, victims of natural disasters. He often offers to pay for strangers’ medical treatments.

On one occasion, Cristiano built a medical center in his hometown of Madeira to thank the doctors who saved his mother’s life, so that even more people could get the help they needed.

Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid hates it when someone is mistreated because of their background. The model says: “Well, I come from a really diverse background. I’ve had incredible experiences all over the world... and I’ve learned that we’re all just people, and we all deserve respect and kindness.” The catwalk star has attended many anti-discrimination rallies. She is also concerned about homelessness. For example, Bella spent her last Christmas on the street, handing out food to those in need.

Dwayne Johnson

Another celebrity who returned to the school in his hometown to help out. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson grew up a troubled teenager, often getting into trouble. And it could have ended badly if he hadn’t been spotted in time by the football coach, who put the boy on the team.

It was precisely sport, according to Johnson, that made him a man, though in this particular sport he didn’t end up reaching very impressive heights. Years later, the actor returned to his school bringing new training equipment. The action movie star hoped that, as it had for him in the past, this would help the kids choose the right path in life.

Kylie Jenner

Kylie Jenner is closely familiar with the struggle with cancer. Her close friend, singer Harry Hudson, beat the disease, and Kylie was by his side supporting him the entire time. A few years later, the friends decided to team up and do a good deed. At the children’s cancer clinic, they built lounge areas with meditation rooms, desks, and TVs with video games to brighten the lives of teenagers battling the disease.

Rihanna

Rihanna has had relationships in the past where she didn’t feel safe. Her breakup with boyfriend Chris Brown was loud and ugly with the details being hotly debated in the press. Today, the singer is doing well. She is happy with the rapper ASAP Rocky, and in May of 2022, the couple had a daughter. Still, Rihanna continues to sponsor organizations that help those who don’t feel safe in their own homes.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington recalls that many of his childhood friends took the wrong path in life and ended up behind bars. The actor says that the same fate awaited him too. However, before that could happen, he got into The Boys & Girls Clubs of America. This organization, to this day, is engaged in after-school education for children.

According to Washington, the club had a great influence on his upbringing and future life. In gratitude for the past, the actor helps the organization both with money and by participating in the club’s activities personally. By the way, another celebrity supporter of this institution is J. Lo.

Britney Spears

Britney Spears has, undoubtedly, received tons of attention from millions of fans over the years. However, the #FreeBritney movement has shown the extent of the love of her fans. The star fought to have her father’s conservatorship removed, while her peers and the public staged rallies in support of Spears. Afterward, the singer couldn’t help but reciprocate her fans. As part of the #DoYourPartChallenge charity movement, she began helping people going through a difficult time financially or psychologically.

Emilia Clarke

In 2020, Emilia Clarke was awarded The Public Leadership in Neurology award. The actress has been fighting to raise public awareness of neurorehabilitation for many years. During the filming of Game of Thrones, the star herself ended up in hospital due to a brain aneurysm. Luckily, her story had a happy ending.

That’s why Emilia decided to use her fame for a good cause. She set up an organization called SameYou, which helps rehabilitate people after brain injuries and strokes.

Who would you say is the most generous celebrity?