How do you make a difference in the world to invoke positive change? I like to share knowledge and stories of people and animals overcoming great challenges. I pledge to share this information in hope to educate others on climate change, social injustice, human rights issues and the inhumane treatment of animals, to say the least. We are entering the holiday season and so many of us don’t even give a second thought to those who are less fortunate than we are – we are too caught up in the consumer game and helping corporations with their bottom line and huge profits. Just imagine if we refocused our thoughts and actually did something for the greater good of the planet, environment, animals and those who are much less fortunate than we are. IMAGINE THE IMPACT.
It was 30 years ago of the release of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” – Written by Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats) and Midge Ure (Ultravox). It was released to raise money for famine that plagued much of Ethiopia in 1983 – 1985. Some of the biggest names in the British Music (and a few Americans) participated with no intention of receiving anything in return. Those that participated included Bono and Adam Clayton of U2, Wham!, Duran Duran, Paul Young, Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, Sting, Phil Collins, Paul Weller, Bananarama, Kool and the Gang and Jody Watley – just to name a few. Here is the original clip:
“Do They Know It’s Christmas was re-recorded in 1989 as Band Aid II and again in 2004 to raise awareness and benefit the troubled are of Darfur in Sudan. The 1989 version included Kylie Minogue, Chris Rea, Jimmy Somerville, Matt Goss, Cliff Richard, Jason Donovan, Sonia, Lisa Stansfield, Bananarama, Marti Pellow and Big Fun. Here is the clip for that version:
The 2004 version – Band Aid 20 “Do They Know It’s Christmas” was released to raise awareness and benefit the troubled area of Darfur in Sudan. This version included the artists: Daniel and Natasha Bedingfield, Bono (U2), Chris Martin of Coldplay, Dido, Robbie Williams, Busted, Ms Dynamite, Skye Edwards of Morcheeba, Estelle, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, Justin Hawkins of Darkness, Jamelia, Tom Chaplin of Keane, Beverly Knight, Lemar, Shaznay Lewis of All Saints, Katie Melua and Roisin Murphy. Here is that version:
And finally here is the current version. This version was put together to raise money to fight Ebola in Africa. Band Aid 30 features Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Chris Martin of Coldplay, Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Rita Ora, Paloma Faith, One Direction, Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran. Here is that clip:
Despite what you believe about these charity recordings – whether you believe that the artist is getting free publicity or that you heard funds were being misappropriated, just remember the key goal for all of these benefits – to raise your awareness of what is happening in the world. Never believe that you can’t be part of the solution – you do not have to be a huge star to make a difference. These celebrities are using their well-know names to bring awareness to an issue that affects us all and they came together to do something about it. Isn’t that enough to celebrate these forces for good? You don’t have to enjoy the artists – all you need is compassion and empathy and you too, can make a difference.
Together, we can make the world a more positive one!
COALITION OF POSITIVE ENERGY 