Great Green Idea: Green Celebrities: Couples that Volunteer Together, Stay Together

Couples that Volunteer Together, Stay Together

By Jackie Woods

When looking at relationships it is impossible to really know what goes behind closed doors and no one should.

Source: Flickr: oparazzi photos

While looking at celebrity couples, many seem to break up after just a short time and usually for selfish reasons. But, there are some couples that beat these odds. Maybe there could be a new adage for them "Couples That Volunteer Together, Stay Together". I am talking about none other than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

What is the most striking about them is that they appear to be really happy. They both are successful in their own right and they also give a tremendous amount of charity. This charity is not only money, but their time. They may be even more famous for what charity work they do, then the movies they make.

Don't get me wrong, they make great movies. It helps that Angelina is stunning and the daughter of Jon Voight. And, Brad Pitt, to say he is gorgeous and makes your heart flutter is an understatement. The man is sexy. Instead of using their fame to catapult them to super dollars and ignoring the public, they have used their movie roles, money and fame to catapult them to the top of celebrity donors from across the globe.

What is nice about what they do for the world is that everyone can copy them. While we may not be giving as much, we certainly can donate money and time. Since they have 6 children, imagine the lessons that have been impressed upon them. It is what you do with the money you earn, not necessarily the job. Whether you are a carpenter, writer, or A list actor, everyone can give back.

Places you can Volunteer:
- Homeless Shelter
- Soup Kitchen
- Hospice
- Library

When I think back to the horrible images of Hurricane Katrina, I can't help but shed a tear at the pure human loss and tragedy. But, thanks to so many regular citizens giving back and giving of their time, New Orleans has been slowly revitalizing. Brad and Angelina were at the front lines charities such as the Make It Right Foundation and Global Green. They have been responsible to rebuilding many parts of the city with green initiatives. They were rewarded with an award from the United States Green Building Council. In 2006 alone they donated $8 million, this does not include the time that each of them spent on the ground raising money for other charities.

As a couple they have been at the forefront of raising money and awareness of the tragedy in Haiti and the horrors of the Darfur Crisis. In 2009 the Jolie-Pitt Foundation dedicated itself to eradicating rural poverty. Knowing that whatever they touch turns to gold, this author has confidence that they will.

Charities you can Help:
- Red Cross
- United Way
- Children's Cancer Fund
- Teacher's Without Borders

As a couple they are something to be emulated. While we certainly don't have the wealth that this couple may have but, we can do a lot still. If you don't have the money to donate try your time. There are plenty of local food banks that need your help. Plus, I guarantee, after a couple hours of serving others who are less fortunate, you will be a lot nicer and forgiving with your family. Maybe that is the key to understanding this couple's strong relationship. The more you give, the more you love.