INSPIRING CELEBRITY PROFILE
RACHEL GRANT
I enjoy working with various communities around the world and have traveled to almost 40 countries. When I travel abroad, whether for work or vacation, I will always make a point to visit a charity or organization that is making a difference in the community—not just for people, but also for the animals. As much as I enjoy humanitarian work, I am equally devoted to loving all creatures, great and small. When I lived in the United Kingdom, I helped support the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) by helping raise awareness of abused bears in the world. When I later visited Kenya (while shooting a movie called The African Game), I visited the WSPA on the island of Lamu and witnessed wonderful conservation work with marine life and the protection of sea turtles in the Indian Ocean. While in the Galapagos, I enjoyed learning from the Galapagos Conservation Trust about the efforts and strict measures taken to protect the endemic, endangered Galapagos Tortoise. On my recent visit to the Philippines, I visited the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary on the island of Bohol. I saw the incredible difference they are doing to help protect the world’s smallest primate—the Philippine Tarsier.
I am a big supporter of the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, which has helped rebuild poor communities, as well as ban poor treatment of animals—namely dogs. Gawad Kalinga has proven itself a huge success. They have touched many lives, employed many people, and the villages they have rebuilt are not only beautiful but are kind to animals and the environment.
Since I was born in the Philippines, my heart lies with charitable organizations in that country—ones helping to improve and rebuild slums, as well as eradicating poor treatment of animals.
This year, I also plan to take part in the Animal Rescue Fund’s charity events once again, and a trip to Australia (for James Bond’s 50th anniversary events with Australian James Bond
However, I currently live in New York City with my beautiful 2 year old Boxer called Brutus and make the most of any opportunity here that I have to support local events and fundraisers. Last October, my dog Brutus and I had a blast taking part in the Animal Rescue Fund’s (ARF) charitable Stroll to Sea Dog Walk in East Hampton. Brutus also took part in the West Village D.O.G. Run Howl-oween costume parade in New York City. I was thrilled to be asked to judge this charity event along with celebrity judges John Bartlet (fashion designer), Hugo Ace, and Dimitri Kelembelidis (Beasty Feast stores). Generous donations, a silent auction, and raffle tickets helped raise much funds, which were donated to New York rescue groups and animal charities.
20 Spring 2012 | The American Dog Magazine
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RACHEL GRANT
Actress, television host, martial artist, published author, and humanitarian!
actor George Lazenby) will only open further opportunities to see conservation work and the protection of animals abroad. In addition, 2012 will see the launch of my new organic shampoo and conditioner called Furry Kind for dogs, which uses the goodness from coconut oils and exotic, chemicalfree ingredients from the Philippine Islands—an abundant, fertile land, rich in natural resources and extensive coastlines with unique mineral deposits. Rachel Grant is a British, Philippineborn actress and writer best known for her role as Peaceful in the James Bond film Die Another Day. She is also an extreme traveler working in humanitarian endeavors around the world, as well as for the protection of endemic species and animal welfare.
For more information: Visit the Website at: www.rachelgrant.com Become a fan: www.facebook.com/Rachel-Grant