Mischa Barton: Giving Back
by Teresa Louise Johnson
London, england born Mischa barton is well-known for her
role in The o.C., a popular american TV show but her acting
resume is endless. The o.C, however, was the first television
project Mischa was involved in that really helped her to
appreciate how lucky she was as an actress. she realized there
was so much she could be doing to help others who are in need.
her work with numerous charities, like save the Children
(www.savethechildren.org) and Planet Call, focuses not only
on the environment but the world’s children. a self-proclaimed
“emotional person,” Mischa is devoted to making children’s
dreams come true and to help save lives.
barton’s eyes aren’t closed to the needs of the world; she is in a
position to draw attention to the things that matter. as a member
of Lupus La (www.lupusla.org), Mischa knows that further
research for Lupus is necessary and her work at Lupus events will
allow for further research in the search for effective treatments for
Lupus sufferers. The goal of an organization such as Planet Call
(www.planetcall.org) is to get young people involved in finding
sustainable solutions and becoming dedicated to a low-carbon
future. barton, a youthful activist herself, is the perfect choice as
spokesperson. she asserts that youth doesn’t mean looking the
other way; everyone can do her part.
Mischa barton is much sought after by paparazzi; her fashion
choices make news time after time. she became a model for rosa
80 a DisTinCTiVe sTyLe . CoM
Clará (www.rosaclara.es/en) bridal fashions after she met the
designer while on a trip in spain. The collection appealed to her
for its freshness, youthfulness and dynamic and as a bonus, she
was impressed by the natural cottons and materials used to create
the gowns. barton is not a stranger to wearing earth friendly cloth-
ing; she says she likes knowing her fashion choices respect the
environment and that they are made in optimal conditions free of
child labourers.
Mischa’s fashion choices are up for grabs at charity auctions
for solesforsouls (www.soles4souls.org) and handbag amnesty
(launched by www.handbag.com.) one lucky girl purchases
Mischa’s shoes through an auction so that another needy recipi-
ent receives a much-needed pair of shoes. Money from handbag
amnesty goes to cancer research. as an entertainment industry
Foundation ambassador, Mischa’s been spotted on the home
shopping network QVC selling clothes and raising money for
cancer research as well. Why the focus on intermingling fashion
and charity? Mischa believes that fashion has great power. using
that power can “attract media coverage to charity and awareness
campaigns. Fashion can help a lot of people in need.”
What can you do? Mischa’s involvement in assorted charities is an
excellent example for all. she thinks everyone should get involved
and do it all year long. as she tells aDs, “helping others helps you
a lot; what goes around comes around.”