We Can Be Heroes
Was there a time in your life that you got to be the hero? Not a make believe hero, but a bona fide hero that stepped in to save the day? It could have been something small like helping someone cross the street, or it could have been a big deal and you saved a life. There are many people in the world that need a hero, and DC Entertainment is looking for others to join with them and become the hero that is needed in a time of crisis.Who is in need and how can we comic book fans help them? The Horn of Africa is facing a crisis of epic proportions with a drought that is one of the worst they have ever seen. The United Nations recently declared a state of famine and hasn’t done this for over twenty years.
"We Can Be Heroes will support the efforts of three humanitarian aid organizations working in Africa—Save the Children, International Rescue Committee and Mercy Corps—as part of the global effort to fight the current hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. The region is suffering its worst drought and famine in over 60 years, with 13 million in need of critical assistance and 250,000 facing starvation in Somalia alone. Each partner organization was chosen for its track record of effective and expeditious humanitarian aid efforts in Africa."
What can we do, what does this have to do with comic books, and how is DC Entertainment involved? Well DC Entertainment is stepping up to the plate and is committing to match 100% of donations to the first million donated and is also selling material that will directly benefit the above three aide organizations. DC is also using the Justice League as the brand for the campaign, this cast of characters being the embodiment of what it means to be a hero.
"The Justice League characters were chosen by DC Entertainment both for their global recognition as well as their demonstration of strength in unity and numbers. The campaign’s graphic identifier features the iconic Justice League characters—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg—outlined in silhouette against the African continent. Each of these characters is a super hero in his or her own right, but when they band together as the Justice League, they become an unstoppable force for good and right in the universe—a key message of the We Can Be Heroes campaign. While many individuals may feel powerless to effect change on their own, as part of a global campaign such as this, their efforts, combined with those of other donors, can create a world of change."
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can help this outreach. One is to visit the main website of the campaign at www.joinwecanbeheroes.org. Watch the video to see more information, and read up on the organizations partnered with this great endeavor. You can simply donate right to the campaign or shop for We Can Be Heroes gear at the WB shop. You can also spread the word with others through social media and help get others involved."This is a tragic situation affecting millions and millions of people. Everyone has the ability to be a part of the solution and efforts such as We Can Be Heroes help bring us closer to that goal," said Dr. Jill Biden, who visited refugees in Kenya in August and has worked to raise awareness of the crisis. "I commend the efforts of DC Entertainment, Warner Bros. and other organizations who are using their global reach to help raise awareness of the crisis."
One thing that impressed me with this campaign is that it isn’t a quick flash in the pan, but rather a campaign that DC and Warner are committing to for the next two years. That shows that they are taking this seriously and will see it through to the end. Join with other comic book fans and help save a life and be the hero they so desperately need.
