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charity: massivegood

Filmmaker Spike Lee, former U.S. president Bill Clinton and will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas have hooked up to launch a cutting-edge fundraising campaign for global health that epitomizes an old-school ideal: that every little bit - or in this case, every little click - makes a difference.

Geared to travellers, it's called MassiveGood, and over its first four years in action the worldwide initiative aims to raise $1-billion (U.S.) to improve maternal health and fight HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries. Here's how it works: As of March 4, jet setters and backpackers alike can make a $2 "micro-contribution" every time they book a flight, hotel or rental car through most travel agents and popular online travel sites. For now, Canadians can donate through Travelocity's Travel for Good site, any Accor Hotels booking site, and www.massivegood.org.

"By creating this big, mass movement, we hope to raise awareness to a whole new level," says Bernard Salomé, managing director of the Millenium Foundation. The Swiss not-for-profit created MassiveGood with the support of the global travel industry to help achieve the United Nations' health-related development goals. Funds will go to UNITAID, a group that improves treatment access in poor countries.

To ring in the campaign, will.i.am has penned a new song in collaboration with DJ/ producer David Guetta (known for his work with Madonna and Lady Gaga), which he will perform at a private gala next week in Manhattan.

The party also marks the premiere of a one-minute flick made for the occasion by Spike Lee. Masterpieces stars actors Samuel L. Jackson and Susan Sarandon, writer Paul Auster and physicist Brian Greene, and features Mary J. Blige. .







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