On Saturday November 3oth the world heard the unfortunate news that 40-year old actor Paul Walker died in a car crash. Walker is best known for the hugely popular action film series The Fast and the Furious. Seeing that his tragic death happened during one of his charity events, and knowing the fact that he was so deeply involved in charity organizations of all kinds, I have decided to put together a tribute to his works that will hopefully remind us all of what’s really important and perhaps inspire us to get involved the way Paul did.
Reach Out World Wide (ROWW)
Website: http://www.roww.org
“ROWW is a network of professionals with first responder skill-sets who augment local expertise when natural disasters strike in order to accelerate relief efforts.” It was one of ROWW’s events to benefit victims of Typhoon Haiyan that Paul Walker was attending on Saturday. Actor/producer Walker is actually the founding member of the organization, which he started in 2010 in order to bridge the gap between the availability of skilled resources and the requirement for such personnel in post-disaster situations. ROWW has been involved in relief efforts for both tsunamis and earthquakes internationally, as well as tornadoes here in the US. If you visit their website you can learn more about the organization as well as find out how to volunteer and donate.
The Billfish Foundation
Website: http://www.billfish.org
Paul Walker had a strong interest in marine biology and become a member of The Billfish Foundation in 2006 as part of its Board of Directors. Founded in 1986 it has become the largest international billfish tagging program in the world. Their goals include using science and policy to create sustainable management of billfish worldwide to improve the health of oceans and economies. You can join the organization through their website.
Expedition Great White
Not so much a charity as an event, Paul Walker joined a team of scientists in June of 2010 to catch and tag seven Great White Sharks off the coast of Mexico. DNA information allowed scientists to better study the migration patterns of these beautiful but endangered species. Shark conservation is extremely important, especially with the finning pressure of today’s society, and Paul Walker’s celebrity status did nothing but help the cause by drawing more people in to become educated on such an important ecological and conservation issue.
Paul Walker will certainly be missed by his family and friends but also for his charming personality onscreen and dedication to important causes offscreen. Rest in Peace Mr. Walker.