The incredible story of Prince’s tireless commitment to charitable causes, which is only coming to light now, after his untimely death
RIP Prince Rogers Nelson
On April 21, 2016, news of Prince’s death broke, and the world went into mourning. His musical genius touched the lives of many, but there was more to the singer than just his music. Behind the celebrity, he helped thousands of people gain the skills to build the best possible lives for themselves.
Watch our video telling Prince’s story below.
Helping every day
Prince, who was best known for hits including Purple Rain, When Doves Cry and Kiss, was famously shy and rarely gave interviews. In 2001 he became a Jehovah’s Witness, which meant he couldn’t talk about his charity work, but since his passing Prince’s close friends have publicly revealed the extent of his good deeds.
‘[Prince] did not want it to be known publicly, but I’m going to say it because the world needs to know that it wasn’t just the music,’ revealed the musician’s friend Van Jones. ‘The music was one way he tried to help the world. But he was helping every single day of his life.’
Causes close to his heart
In the late 1990s, the singer embarked on a tour with a difference. The money raised by his Love 4 One Another tour was donated to shelters, schools and community centres across the US to create new opportunities and resources for children.
Prince helped found Green For All, an organisation that strives to build a green economy to lift people out of poverty. Because of his generosity, many people in California now have solar panels on their home.
In 2014, Prince helped create #YesWeCode, which teaches underprivileged kids the skills they need to pursue a career in the tech industry.
The non-profit organisation paid tribute to Prince with these words: ‘Prince’s commitment to ensuring young people of color have a voice in the tech sector continues to impact the lives of future visionaries creating the tech of tomorrow.’
Inspiring others
Prince once said ‘compassion is an action word with no boundaries,’ and through his numerous acts of generosity and kindness, it proved to be a mantra he lived by.
His actions have inspired others. Here are just some of the lovely comments people have been leaving on our Facebook page.
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