Kung Fu to fight hunger


Jackie Chan, Kung Fu icon joins FAO in the fight against hunger

01/04/2014 - 

Jackie Chan, the international Kung Fu superstar has joined FAO in the fight against hunger. The world-famous actor, known for his action-movies, acrobatic fighting style and comic timing in over 150 films, is also Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Mr Chan has been actively using his celebrity status as a vehicle for humanitarian and public service work.

Recently the celebrity visited FAO projects in Ethiopia and held discussions with the beneficiaries, FAO staff and experts on the ground about implementation of the projects, their impact and the need for long-term and sustainable development. While there, Chan told a packed press conference, “I came here to learn how to help the world deal with the problem of hunger. I have learned from FAO that we need to invest in long-term development. I count on you to spread the word and raise awareness about the problem of hunger.”

The star-turned-humanitarian, listed as one of the Heroes of Philanthropy by Forbes magazine, visited a ‘Purchase from Africans for Africa’ project which purchases produce from small holder farmers to supply local school feeding programmes as well as a South-South Cooperation Programme where he discussed with Chinese experts how they exchange technical knowledge with Ethiopian farmers to help them increase the productivity of local crops. He also visited projects that are aimed at helping vulnerable farmers’ build resilience so that they can better cope with shocks.

”I listened to the story of two vulnerable farmers, who are making their way out of poverty”, Chang said. “One farmer increased production from 8 quintals to 30 quintals. He now has his own shop and is helping other farmers.” 

Over the past three decades, Jackie Chan has been actively engaged in charity work while continuing to produce films. He has helped numerous disadvantaged groups around the world who suffered disease, hunger, poverty, natural disasters and the consequences of war.

The Jackie Chan Charitable Foundation together with the Blive Global Initiative Foundation, will invite non-profit organizations, media as well as superstars to launch the -“Peace and Love Season – Feeding the World Initiative”. FAO, as one of the beneficiary organizations of the Initiative, is ready to join forces with the two foundations to fight against hunger. The campaign is a platform that will show good replicable practices of sustainable projects and demonstrate how small contributions can make a long lasting difference.