Friday, October 28, 2011

Tonic.com interviews Booboo Stewart

We already knew that Booboo Stewart, who played shapeshifting werewolf Seth Clearwater in the Twilight saga, can take many forms. We're just pleased to report that one of those forms is an ambassador for positive change.

We pounced on Booboo at Friends Without A Border's annual gala in Los Angeles, which benefited the children of Cambodia. Friends Without A Border is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness and funds to support Angkor Hospital for Children, a leading pediatric hospital providing medical care to children in post-genocide Cambodia. In 1996, 1 out of 6 children died before the age of 5 from preventable illnesses. In recent years, the ratio decreased to 1 out of 12. AHC has treated nearly a million sick and malnourished kids since it opened in 1999. Together, FWAB and AHC are rebuilding the devastated healthcare infrastructure of a war-torn and impoverished country.

As Booboo chatted with us about this important cause, he also told us about the many roles he plays in his life -- including one in a new film.

What was the highlight of tonight's event?
The dancing was really incredible. We had a great time on the dance floor.

What made you decide to support Friends Without A Border?
I heard about what they were doing in Cambodia, and I thought it was really great. I always try to help charities that involve children. I try to do as much as I can to help with children all around the world.

Have you ever been to Cambodia?
No, but I hope to go one day, especially after seeing all of the pictures from there tonight.

You did a PETA shoot during the day today, and then Friends Without Borders tonight. What makes you want to spend so much of your time on philanthropic work?
PETA’s another amazing charity. Today’s shoot was supporting [the adoption of] dogs from shelters rather than buying them at pet shops. I think it’s really important to use my platform to get the charities' names out to people who may not know about them. Like, with PETA, a lot of people don’t know that buying pets from a pet store is bad -- that instead you can be saving a dog in a shelter. I think it’s important for people see that. And in Cambodia, the work Friends Without A Border is doing is so important for people to know about. Almost 600 people and their families go to this hospital every day.

What other charities are you involved in?
I try to help any charities that involve helping children. I work with a charity that helps previouslyabused children get back on their feet, and I’m involved with the Los Angeles mission. We feed the homeless on holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

You’re in a band with your sister Fivel. How would you describe your sound?
We’re pop rock.

When does the album come out?
The album should come out next summer. It’s so hard to find the time to go into the studio, write, and record. But we’re having a show next month. We have a concert November 12 at Knott's Berry Farm in California.

READ MORE HERE

No comments:

Post a Comment