Making a Difference

Today, Gwen Stefani personally made a $1 million donation to Save the Children's Japan Earthquake-Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund. Additionally, Gwen will be hosting a charity auction, a fundraiser and sell limited-edition Harajuku Lovers shirts through NoDoubt.com to raise even more funds for the charity.

"I've been inspired by Japan for many years and have a true love, appreciation and respect for the Japanese people and their culture," Gwen said in a statement posted on NoDoubt.com. "The disaster in Japan is beyond heartbreaking and I want to do anything I can to help. I would never be able to make a gesture like this without the love and support of all the fans over all these years."

Even for someone as successful as Gwen, $1 million is a lot of money. To the kids in Japan dealing with the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami, the impact that gift—and the publicity surrounding it—will have on their lives is immeasurable.

Like I said on Facebook, this is yet another reason to adore Gwen Stefani.

I don't have $1 million to spare, but if I did I would donate to a cause close to my heart, just like Gwen did. For me, that cause is the African Well Fund, an organization dedicated to the mission of funding clean water and sanitation projects in sub-Saharan Africa that I've been supporting for nearly nine years and serving on the board of for nearly five years.

Yesterday, AWF launched the Build a Well for Bono's Birthday fundraiser, aiming to fund clean water and sanitation projects at girls' schools in Benin. AWF was founded in 2002 by a group of fans inspired by Bono's work in Africa so each year we raise money in honor of his birthday to thank him for setting such a good example for all of us.

Now Gwen Stefani, a bit of a Bono protégé, is doing the same thing.

What I've learned from the example set by globally minded celebrities like Gwen and Bono and Madonna and John Lennon is that it isn't important how much you do, how much you give, but that you do and that you give. Gwen has the ability to give $1 million to her favorite cause. Bono has the ability to meet with global leaders to plead the case for aid and fair trade. Madonna has the ability to start a girls' school for Malawi orphans. John Lennon had the ability to stage concerts and events that raised awareness.

I don't have any of those gifts, but I can donate my time to helping promote AWF's good work and donate the money I raise by saving pennies in the jar I keep on my desk. While my contributions are small, I know they make a difference.

Whatever your cause, whatever your action, know that every time you post about an important issue, write a letter to your representative, buy a charity-linked product, make a donation, take part in a march, stuff envelopes, you, too, are making a difference in the world.