ROME -- WFP is one of seven relief organisations being supported by Friday's Hope For Haiti Now global benefit event, with a huge line-up of stars including WFP celebrity partners Christina Aguilera, Penelope Cruz, Drew Barrymore, Will Smith, Sheryl Crow and Wyclef Jean.
The Telethon, organised by Hollywood A-lister George Clooney, will be broadcast at 8 pm EST time from New York, Los Angeles, London and Haiti. The event, which will feature live links to Haiti, comes as WFP's Executive Director Josette Sheeran is in the quake-hit nation, assessing the relief operation underway.
Hundred names
With more than a hundred big names in film, television and music appearing, Hope for Haiti Now will be the most widely distributed global telethon in history.
According to the latest information, Madonna (performing in New York) and Haitian artist Emeline Michel (in Los Angeles) will join the previously announced lineup of musical performances: Wyclef Jean, Bruce Springsteen, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Shakira and Sting in New York; Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera, Dave Matthews, John Legend, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift and a group performance by Keith Urban, Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow in Los Angeles; and Beyoncé, Coldplay, and a group performance by Bono, The Edge, Jay-Z and Rihanna in London.
Proceeds from the telethon will be split evenly among each organization's individual funds for Haiti earthquake relief.
WFP has launched a massive relief effort in Haiti and is working round the clock to bring food assistance to 2 million people affected by the earthquake.
Friday, January 22, 2010
8:00 pm ET/PT (US time) 2:00 am (Central European Time)
ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, The CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT
Also follow the event on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/DisasterRelief