Ben Affleck, a name synonymous with Hollywood stardom, has etched his mark not only in the realm of acting but also as a dedicated advocate for humanitarian causes. From his early beginnings to his established career, Affleck has leveraged his fame and passion to effect positive change across a spectrum of global issues.
Ben Affleck’s journey into the limelight commenced during his formative years, when he joined hands with fellow actor Matt Damon to embark on a journey of drama and friendship. Venturing into the world of television series and movies as a teenager, Affleck’s talent began to shine. His feature film debut in 1993’s “Dazed and Confused” marked a pivotal moment in his burgeoning acting career.
Beneath the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Ben Affleck’s affinity for casino games like blackjack and poker often surfaces. In April 2020, Affleck harnessed his love for poker to collaborate with Feeding America, an organization dedicated to hunger relief in the United States. His brainchild, an online celebrity poker tournament, became a beacon of hope, raising a substantial sum of around $2 million for food banks across America. This star-studded event, streamed on Twitch, saw the participation of illustrious celebrities like Tobey Maguire, Adam Sandler, and Tom Brady, alongside renowned poker players. Affleck’s commitment to Feeding America dates back, with his involvement in the “Small Change Campaign” in 2016, urging Americans to support the cause by donating their spare change.
Affleck’s directorial prowess extends beyond entertainment as he used his creative acumen to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His short film served as a poignant public service announcement for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), amplifying awareness about the human rights violations in the DRC. Affleck’s relentless commitment led him to immerse himself in understanding the intricacies of conflict and potential solutions through multiple visits to the region. In 2010, Affleck channeled his knowledge and passion into the creation of the Eastern Congo Initiative (ECI). A catalyst for change, ECI works collaboratively with communities in eastern Congo, prioritizing tailored, community-based solutions to drive sustainable progress.
Affleck’s impact transcends continents as he lent his voice to the “Stay Close” campaign initiated by PFLAG NYC. He proudly stood alongside his cousin, Jason, in advocating for acceptance and understanding within the LGBTQ+ community. Through this campaign, Affleck helped diminish prejudice and amplify acceptance by featuring in advertisements that showcased celebrities standing in solidarity with their LGBTQ+ relatives and friends.
His advocacy for cancer charity, the Jimmy Fund, is noteworthy, with a notable $50,000 bid for a license plate at an auction to support the organization. Affleck’s partnership with Jennifer Garner to encourage donations to the A-T Children’s Project exemplifies their shared commitment to facilitating groundbreaking research. Be it alleviating hunger or preventing human rights abuses, Affleck’s genuine commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, igniting positive change both at home and on the global stage.
source: affinitymagazine.com