Serving as the X–MEN hero Wolverine and a philanthropic coffee house owner, Hugh Jackman takes part in various charities, most prominently his foundation, Laughing Man Worldwide, which is supported by his Laughing Man coffee bars and Keurig cups.
All proceeds from Jackman’s businesses go toward farmers in developing nations who harvest the coffee used in Jackman’s business. Proceeds also go into establishing educational institutions and health clinics in third world countries.
From stage to screen, Jackman has dazzled audiences and fans alike with Tony Award winning performances like Broadway’s The Boy from Oz and filmography credits in the Marvel franchise, X–MEN.
By day, he is the powerful mutant Wolverine. At night, he co–manages his coffee brand Laughing Man Coffee alongside business marketing firm CEO David Steingard.
Jackman launched Laughing Man Coffee in 2011 after being inspired by an impoverished coffee farmer on his 1999 visit to Ethiopia as an ambassador for World Vision Australia. Serving as a “marketplace for farmers in developing countries to sell their goods to consumers in the U.S,” 100 percent of Laughing Man Coffee profits are donated to the Laughing Man Foundation, another organization established by Jackman that focuses on fostering educational programs, supporting community development, and helping social entrepreneurs across the globe.
In addition to his dedication to spurning support for local businessmen and agriculturists throughout the world, Jackman is also a representative and supporter of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. With proceeds from his box office hit, Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway as well as his post–show appearances to live audiences, Jackman managed to raise nearly $1 million for the charity.
As well as Jackman’s philanthropy and charity work, he is a huge proponent for the performing arts. It is this deep passion for the theater that motivated Jackman and co–founder and wife, Deborra–Lee Furness to create the Jackman Furness Foundation for the Performing Arts (JFFPA), which launched in May, 2014.
The foundation works to encourage and support the performing arts in schools and institutions across Jackman’s home country of Australia. Efforts behind the non–profit include providing “funding and advocacy support” for scholarships in live theater and performance, artists in residence and visiting artists, and local performances and productions.
Jackman has made an incredible impact on society, using his passion and talent for performance and his platform to raise awareness and support for causes both in Australia, and beyond the outback.
From lending his voice and support to the Global Poverty Project, now known as Global Citizen, to serving as Honorary Committee Co–Chair alongside his spouse at the 2009 Worldwide Orphans Foundation Benefit Gala, Jackman has supported a total of 27 charities and 21 causes.
While fans and viewers may remember him as the crime–fighting superhero mutant, it is his consideration, care, and activism for humanity that makes Jackman a real hero.
Featured Image by Gage Skidmore on Flickr
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