Naomi helps raise relief funds

MANILA, Philippines - Supermodel Naomi Campbell is lending her celebrity face to help raise awareness and funds for those affected by the super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) that hit the Philippines last weekend by selling a limited edition photo taken by John-Paul Pietrus, according to a report by Vogue.

A “trusted collaborator” of Campbell, Pietrus, in his website, explained, “Being half-Filipino, I want to do something to help those affected by the recent Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines which has killed thousands of people and devastated lives of many more. I am therefore selling artist-signed prints to raise quickly for those in need.”

The series of signed pictures are sold at £20 each, proceeds of which, Pietrus wrote, will go to the Red Cross typhoon relief efforts.

As for the choice of the Campbell photo, he told Vogue that “I chose this photo of Naomi as I think she is a very inspirational and beautiful figure, and she looks so peaceful here — something I would like the victims to find, a peace.”

In the same article, he was quoted as saying that he felt there was something that he could do more than a personal donation. “I immediately called Naomi to see what can be done and I suggested selling one of the images we’ve taken for charity. Naomi has always been passionate about helping those in crisis and I am grateful for her getting behind this initiative and coming up with a way of helping those effected by the typhoon.”

Campbell, Vogue said, set up the charity Fashion For Relief in 2005 which has generated funds for communities overcoming natural disasters, from Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the Haiti earthquake in 2010. For details, visit www.johnpaulpietrus.com.