Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Usher Brings Charity To London

February 22, 2011

Usher was in London recently for sold-out shows at the O2, but he spent time in between concerts to see new people and discuss how to beat knife crimes.

Amid escalating statistics of knife crimes in Britain`s capital - every year sees an addition of 8% - Usher hopes to help mentor teens most at risk by bringing his New Look Foundation to the city.

"We spoke about teenage pregnancy, gang violence, incarceration, isolation - and one very particular thing was knife crime," the singer told the Standard. "It`s something the kids kept bringing up and obviously it`s a huge issue here.

"The broadcast is about finding the base of the return and addressing that, and hopefully motivating change. We would know to set up a lasting presence here in London. I really hope London is receptive, as this really does work. I suppose that us giving youth the province and the opportunity to make a voice makes a difference."

While in London, Usher and three mentors from his New Look Foundation provided leadership training to new people at two organizations: the Brunswick Club for Young People and the loveLife Generation. These organizations share in New Look`s vision to assist young people strengthen their talents and get busy in serving and civil life. The session helped youth utilize their creative talents to make change in their communities.

"The exercise we do with the New Look Foundation is never far from my heart. In range to mentor youth as global leaders, we must return them out of their communities and present them to diverse leadership experiences on an external level," said the singer. "I love the New Look mentors will take just as often from the London youth as they hear from our own."

"We are thrilled to get the New Look program model to London," said Shawn H. Wilson, President of Usher`s New Look Foundation. "We are always running to extend our global reach. We have trained youth in the Philippines and Kenya and looking ahead to beholding a positive impact in the London community."

"As a philanthropist, I know the work Mr. Raymond has established through New Look as an invaluable resource for the new people who have experienced the program," said Scott Mead, New Look Foundation Board Member. "I feel privileged to aid in expanding its scope to London and I love that it will provide an impact with our youth."

As a reinforcement for completing the training session, Usher surprised the London teens with tickets to his concert at the 02 Arena as good as a fortune to see him. Additionally, this summer, The Brunswick Club and the loveLife Generation will place their teen members to see the World Leadership Conference, hosted by New Front in Atlanta, GA. The Global Leadership Conference is an annual opportunity for New Look to educate youth from about the earth to suit local and world leaders while interacting with other youth, celebrities, athletes, politicians and corporate executives.

The New Look Foundation empowers, motivates and inspires young people to make change while offering them the tools and resources they want to follow as leaders. The Foundation has provided over 150,000 hours of leadership education and has worked with more than 8,700 youth about the world.

See photos of Usher`s visit here.

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