Ashton Kutcher calls for birthday donations
Ashton Kutcher has a birthday dream of raising $10,000 to help charities fighting child sexual exploitation.
The actor kicked off his 34th birthday on Tuesday (07Feb12) by posting a video online thanking fans for their well wishes and urging them to donate to his DNA Foundation in lieu of gifts.
He said, "I'd love for my friends and family to help me raise
$10,000 for DNA Foundation to fight child sexual exploitation.
Donate $10 or whatever you can and I'll match donations dollar for
dollar."
In a follow-up post on his Causes.com website, he added, "It is my
mission, through the work of my foundation, to end the sexual
exploitation of children - whether it be through child sex
trafficking or child pornography. In my work with law enforcement
and survivor organizations, I've seen firsthand how devastating it
is when a child's innocence is stolen and each story I hear
inspires me to do more.
"Over the past two years, we have worked hard to bring awareness of
child sex trafficking into the mainstream: through the Real Men
Don't Buy Girls campaign, we reached millions of people with
messaging about the issue. We have partnered with law enforcement
to train officers on indicators of human trafficking, and worked
with CNN to produce the documentary Nepal's Stolen Children about
sex trafficking in India and Nepal.
"We are developing technology-based solutions to address the demand
that fuels child sexual exploitation. With the support of the DNA
Tech Task Force, formed in 2010, we are focusing our efforts on the
digital defense of children through research and deterrence
programs that speak directly to predators.
"For my birthday this year, I'm asking you to join me: join the
cause, donate $10, or spread the word to your friends by posting
this to your Facebook profile."