In an interview with The Herald Sun/news.com.au in July 2006, Kate talked briefly about the charity work she takes part in, and revealed why she doesn't publicise her work that much: "I remember I did this charity event in Toronto that we'd put together, and I didn't really want it to be a big deal. We raised about $1 million for DATA and it was really exciting and fun. Then somebody wrote: 'Charity is the new yoga'. I thought to myself, how horrible. Whoever sat down at their desk and thought that was smart or witty or funny? So I do what I do. I'm interested in a lot of different things and I'm not really all that interested in talking about it."

KATE HUDSON AND DAVID BABAII FOR WILD AID

In June 2007 it was announced that Kate was to team up with renowned hairstylist David Babaii to create a range of hair products and styling tools that will benefit the wildlife organisation WildAid. The hair products are made up of entirely natural ingredients, and are free from sulphates, parabens, animal products and are not tested on animals. The range is about celebrating "the nature in beauty and the beauty in nature." WildAid aims "to end the illegal wildlife trade within our lifetimes" by working with governments and communities all around the world. A percentage of the profits made will go to WildAid.

FHI Heat is a leading creator of styling tools, and is a partner in this range.

Kate took a business course online to prepare for, and help with, this partnership, and acted as the "guinea pig" for David to test the products on. The ads to promote the range were shot in South Africa in November 2007 and will appear in the media from the Summer of 2008.

David Babaii has been styling Kate's hair for 6 years. Other celebrity supporters of WildAid include Ralph Fiennes, Minnie Driver, Ang Lee and Jackie Chan.


"I've been asked to do a lot of campaigns in the past and this feels like the perfect fit for me. David is the best at what he does and he's put so much of himself into the development of this line. And the fact that we can do it in an ecologically responsible and animal-friendly manner that can help preserve wildlife is what makes this truly special."
- Kate Hudson on the range

"It felt good to be part of a creative process. All of the products are totally organic and sustainable. It's something I'm proud to be a part of."
- Kate Hudson on the range

"Kate epitomizes the modern woman, not only with her unique personal style, but her commitment to global concerns. She's a dream client and the perfect partner in this project. As a hairdresser, I discovered the use of animal products and animal testing by many manufacturers. I want to show my industry that great products can be made without harming one animal in order to achieve beauty."
- David Babaii on the range

ONE CAMPAIGN

In 2005 Kate lent her support to the worldwide ONE campaign, dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and global AIDS. She was featured in one of the campaign videos and was photographed for the cause wearing the white band.

On Sunday 11st September September 2005 Kate hosted the One x One Benefit Gala at the Toronto Film Festival. One X One is committed to preserving "the sanctity of human life" and set a goal to raise $1 million to help eliminate human suffering. $1.3m was raised, and 50% of proceeds were donated to DATA's (Debt, Aids, Trade, Africa) Global Mission and 50% to the Lou Adler Foundation, which supports numerous Canadian causes and charitable organizations. The Gala was founded by Kate's close friend Samantha Brickman of Brickman Entertainment Group Inc.. (Read the full press release here).

"Every human life is important and I believe this is truly an incredible event that is a reflection of a passion to preserve life and make the world a better, safer place. I'm thrilled and proud to be hosting the event on behalf of DATA and the Lou Adler Foundation."
- Kate Hudson on hosting the One x One Benefit Gala

OTHER SUPPORTED CAUSES AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

» LookToTheStars.org state that Kate is a supporter of Donate Life America, an organisation that aims to inspire people to donate life through organ, eye and tissue donations.

» In February 2008 Kate attended the 'Night to Benefit Raising Malawi and UNICEF' event hosted by Madonna. Raising Malawi aims to improve the living conditions of children in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in the world; UNICEF is The United Nations Children's Fund.