Helping People and Wildlife Thrive in Kenya
Ed Norton helps the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust preserve the people, plants, and animals coexisting on thousands of acres of wild African plains.
This is an Ed Norton role you may not have seen: African wilderness protector. As U.S. director of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, he’s helping the organization protect more than 280,000 acres of African plains, home to more than 1,000 of the world’s most unique plants and animals including lions, black rhinos and giraffes. The MWCT also helps provide healthcare, employment, and education to the local Maasai community that has shared the land for centuries. Learn more here.
Giving At-Risk Kids a Chance to Go Out and Play
Now record-breaking NFL running back, Arian Foster found success by staying out of trouble at his local Boys & Girls Club.
For NFL running back Arian Foster, attending the Boys & Girls Club of Albuquerque as a kid helped him stay out of trouble and play his favorite sports, paving the way to a professional career. Today the Boys & Girls Club of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho serves almost 1,500 kids, many from low and poverty income level households. From homework assistance to physical fitness activities, the Club keeps kids active, outdoors, and happy. Learn more here.
Getting on Board for Environmental Change
When action sports heroes like skateboarder Danny Way talk about sustainability and the need for environmental change, kids listen.
Action Sports Environmental Coalition uses action sports as a platform to reach the community (and youth especially) about environmental advocacy initiatives. With skateboarding legend Danny Way showing kids how cool sustainability can be, ASEC inspires environmental awareness in a whole new generation of kids. Learn more here.
Turning the Tide on Ocean Pollution
In Laird Hamilton’s legendary career, he’s done amazing feats as a surfer but now he and Surfrider Foundation are tackling the greatest challenge: pollution.
As one of the most respected and legendary big wave surfers, Laird Hamilton has achieved spectacular feats of a lifetime. But over his career, he’s also seen the growing problem of ocean pollution. He and Surfrider Foundation are working to fight for ocean health and enact initiatives to protect this precious ecosystem. Learn more here.
Giving Cancer Survivors a Shot at College
Will Ferrell is bringing fun to a serious cause: Cancer for College funds scholarships for promising students who have beat cancer.
When Will Ferrell’s good buddy started Cancer for College, the comedian found a way to combine golfing with helping kids. CFC helps young survivors fulfill the dream of higher education because for many, the financial and emotional costs of treating the disease often pushes everything—especially big picture plans like attending college—out of reach. CFC has raised $225K for scholarships last year alone. Learn more here.
Blazing a Trail for Wildlife Preservation
World class bike racer Todd Wells and Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists are using pedal power to save mountain trails.
When it comes to professional bike racing, you'll usually find champion cyclist Todd Wells at the head of the pack. And together with Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists, he's helping them lead preservation efforts for outdoor trails and wide open natural areas from housing development. SDMB also works with the U.S. Forestry Dept and local agencies to keep hundreds of acres safe and protected for recreational enjoyment. Learn more here.