Monday, February 28, 2011

Justin Bieber Makes a Charitable Birthday Wish



The timeline of Justin Bieber's rise to fame may be one for the record books, but the young star isn't letting success go to his head.




Bieber, who recently auctioned off his freshly shorn hair for charity on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' is getting into the philanthropic spirit again, this time asking Beliebers for some help along the way.


The 'Never Say Never' star, who turns 17 on Tuesday, is asking fans to donate to Charity: Water for his birthday in an effort to raise $17,000 for clean water in developing nations.


On his Charity: Water page, Bieber writes, "Together, we've made a big difference for many causes. Did you know that about 4,500 kids die each day from waterborne disease? By building clean water projects for villages that need them, we can prevent this!


I want to make my birthday matter this year -- let's make it so more kids can grow up to have a 17th birthday like me. Join me to make a change."


The singer, who stepped out at last night's Academy Awards with rumored girlfriend Selena Gomez, asks fans to donate $17 to the non-profit in honor of the number of years since his birth.


"I'm really so grateful for my family, friends and fans -- and I believe we can do something big to help bring clean water to people in need," writes Bieber. "Even if you don't have $17 to give I just ask you to go out in your community and try and make a positive difference. Even the smallest act of kindness can go a long way. Thanks and God Bless! #makeachange."


Perhaps Bieber's relationship has inspired his altruism. His gal-pal supports a number of humanitarian and animal rights causes, becoming UNICEF's youngest goodwill ambassador in 2009.