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THE U.S. FUND FOR UNICEF
Did you know that a contribution of $17 immunizes a child for
life against six childhood diseases?
The U.S. Fund for
UNICEF raises funds that provide humanitarian aid to
families in crisis in more than 158 countries and territories. UNICEF currently has four
out of four possible stars from Charity
Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of
charities.
"It is my belief that we are all socially responsible for the
world's children, especially those children in need," Alex
said. "Because I have no children of my own, I try to make
a difference in the lives of children in developing nations as a
public speaker and fundraiser. A little effort here can make a huge
difference elsewhere."
UNICEF's former regional program
manager of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Southern California
called Alex's work for the organization "extremely helpful."
"Alex McLeod has gone above and beyond to help UNICEF
receive attention and support" Katie Scolari says. "We are eternally
grateful for Alex and all that she does to ensure that UNICEF's
mission to change the world for children is accomplished."
Alex's dedication as a public speaker to the
Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF
campaign has educated hundreds of kids and motivated them to raise
funds. Her fundraising efforts since 2001 as a Los Angeles Women's
Giving Circle member and her continued support of the UNICEF
Goodwill Galaand Snowflake Galas in Beverly Hills, has helped increase awareness
significantly, as well as raise thousands for impoverished and vulnerable
children worldwide.
In 2004, The Southern California Chapter
of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF
presented Alex with a President's Volunteer
Award by the President's Council
on Service and Civic Participation in recognition of
her "commitment to the strengthening of the nation and making a
difference through volunteer service."
Support UNICEF
visit
unicefusa.org
AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death
for women?
As an advocate of personal health, Alex McLeod has
donated her time and services as mistress of ceremonies
for the American
Heart Association's Women's
Legacy/Go Red for Women Luncheons in
Los Angeles and Ventura counties in 2002, 2003, and
2005. This annual event is a national call for women to
take charge of their heart health through diet and
exercise.
"I believe health is wealth," Alex says. "If you have your health,
you can accomplish anything in life."
The AHA is a national
voluntary health agency that promotes the reduction of
disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and
stroke.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Did you know that the families who participate in Habitat
for Humanity have to put in 500 hours of "sweat equity"?
With the home improvement
skills she picked up from Trading
Spaces, Alex has volunteered time and expertise
to Habitat
for Humanity Greater Los Angeles, a nonprofit organization
dedicated to building simple, decent housing in partnership
with families in need.
"At times, it seems we live in a world of have and have-nots," she
says. "I feel everyone should have a space to call their
own. Habitat
for Humanity makes this possible for the
people who would otherwise not have this opportunity.
They make dreams come true."
Since 2004, Alex McLeod has participated in a variety of Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles event builds as a fundraiser, steering committee member and volunteer builder. McLeod's participation includes many Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity blitz builds. Hollywood for Habitat for Humanity is a unique organization founded to raise the entertainment industry's awareness for Habitat's mission to eliminate poverty housing worldwide.
McLeod has also joined forces with some of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry each year for an all-female, Power Women, Power Tools Build. In 2005, Alex was also one of the many celebrities to lend a helping hand to Habitat for Humanity International and NBC's TODAY show to assist the victims of Katrina. Under the auspices of the grassroots effort Operation Home Delivery, more than 300 volunteers framed five houses in five days and sent them to the Gulf Coast.
Alex built homes in San Pedro, California in 2007 with 39th President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady, Rossalyn, as part of the Habitat for Humanity-Jimmy Carter Work Project. Under the leadership of Jimmy Carter, thousands of Habitat for Humanity volunteers built and improved more than 100 homes in the Los Angeles area. McLeod also co-hosted a cocktail reception for the Carter family and all major sponsors of this worthwhile event at her home.
In 2011, McLeod traveled to Haiti with Habitat for Humanity Greater Los Angeles and other celebrities to gain firsthand knowledge of the effects of the devastating 2010 earthquake and the ongoing needs of Haitian people. Alex and partners are currently raising funds to support Habitat for Humanity International's housing projects in Leogane, Port Au Prince and surrounding areas.
Support Habitat
for Humanity visit
habitatla.org
KATRINA AND IKE
Did you know the worst natural disaster in our nation's history
took place in Galveston, Texas in 1900?
As a native of Galveston Island, Alex grew up learning about the
1900 Storm which took more than 6,000 lives from her hometown. Personally,
Alex and her family have endured several hurricanes and many evacuations.
Her empathy for those hardest hit by both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ike's paths of destruction compelled her to get involved. In 2005, Alex partnered with the Galveston based Moody Memorial First United Methodist Church-Red Cross Shelter, which housed hundreds of Katrina evacuees over a two-week period, to create a charity decorating project for those seeking refuge in her home town permanently.
“Our project is taking over where FEMA
and The Red Cross have left
off. Galveston is a small community, and those evacuees from New
Orleans who arrived days after the storm received less media exposure
than other areas. The Galveston-Katrina guests are still very much
in need of the basics to live a decent life.”
McLeod’s Trading Spaces background came in handy as she and Moody Memorial church volunteers worked tirelessly in the City of Galveston for an entire month side by side with 16 hurricane families to furnish their newly rented apartments. McLeod raised $75,000 worth of home furnishings donated generously by ten major corporations and personally delivered them herself with camera man in tow!
 Read
All About It
View Event Photos
Meet Our Sponsors
Support Katrina Relief visit makeitrightnola.org
McLeod returned to Galveston again in 2008 to help other hurricane families hardest hit by Hurricane Ike, both as an emcee and fundraiser for a benefit concert at Moody Gardens Hotel featuring the legendary Beach Boys band. The concert was attended by 6,000 people including residents, relief workers and visitors from as far as California. Of particular significance, at the time of this live concert, the power had not fully been restored to the island and many people were still homeless. Nevertheless, McLeod, Moody Gardens staff and event sponsors pressed on to reassure the community the island was indeed “Stronger Than Ike,” and would rebuild even better. Today, Galveston Island is once again a thriving, family friendly Gulf Coast tourist destination for hundreds of thousands annually.
Read
All About It
Visit Moody Gardens
Support IKE Relief visit catholiccharities.org
GRID ALTERNATIVES
Did you know a single solar panel generates $604 worth of long-term savings for a low-income family, and eliminates 4,853 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere?
Since 2008, Alex has supported the renewable energy movement by participating in many GRID Alternatives solar panel installations for low-income families in Southern California. GRID works every day to ensure that solar powered technology is both practical and accessible in communities that need savings the most.
Alex says, “Every American should have access to free, clean electricity from the sun regardless of socio-economic status.”
As an advisory council member, donor, fundraiser and volunteer, Alex continues to join GRID in bringing together politicians, environmental activists, green job trainees and homeowners to participate in a fun, hands-on charitable endeavor with immediate, tangible results: fully installed solar electric systems that provide economic benefits to families for 30 years or more.
Support GRID Alternatives visit gridalternatives.org
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