Category: Environmental

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Harrison Ford

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Harrison Ford used a plane he owned, a Cessna Caravan, to help fly supplies and medical personnel (doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists) to Port-au-Prince, then on regular trips to Hinche (a more remote highland community) that had no airport but a field usable for landing.

He joined Conservation International, became vice-chairman, has been active for many years. He has donated time, money, land; pushed for environmental conservation, etc.

He has served in that role, patrolling the Hudson River in his helicopter to help identify/prosecute polluters

Ford is Honorary Chairman of Young Eagles, which gives children a chance to fly in aircraft free of charge; Ford himself has flown many young people in his own time.

Beyond just donating to or being behind the scenes, he personally has flown over 280 children in his own time as part of that program, giving them exposure to aviation and nature.

He has donated about half of his land (on his ranch in Wyoming) to a nature reserve for conservation.

n 2025, Ford accepted the “Dr. Randy Sherman Visionary Award” from Operation Smile, in honor of his (late) friend Randy Sherman, highlighting their joint humanitarian efforts (medical missions, using aviation to transport aid) & trying to inspire others.

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Leonardo DiCaprio

While vacationing in the Caribbean with friends and his girlfriend, DiCaprio’s yacht received a Mayday call: a 24-year-old French crew member had fallen off a cruise ship near St. Martin and was drifting in the water.

The man had been treading water for 11 hours, was severely dehydrated, and the weather was deteriorating.

DiCaprio and his boat crew diverted to search, located him near Saba Island, hauled him aboard, gave him food, clothing, and water, and then turned him over to the coast guard.

DiCaprio was walking his dog along the Hudson River when he came across an elderly couple who seemed lost. He pulled out his phone, showed them directions, pointed the way, and helped them get where they were going.

In the story of Gemma Nuttall, a young mum diagnosed with cancer: Kate Winslet and DiCaprio helped raise funds via a special event / fundraiser. A dinner with “Jack and Rose” (referencing their Titanic characters) was auctioned off, among other efforts, to help Gemma get treatment. This kind of act is more personal as it directly helps one person in need.

While filming Blood Diamond in Africa, Leonardo DiCaprio quietly donated money to build a well in a village, intending to leave the location “better than they found it.” This was done with an intention to help that local community in a tangible way, not just as a large distant contribution.

In 1998, he founded the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, which has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to protect endangered species, marine conservation, and combating climate change. For example, he donated $3 million to save tigers in Nepal and $7 million for ocean conservation.

In 2004, after the Indian Ocean tsunami, he personally gave $1 million to the relief fund. Later, in 2010, he also donated $1 million to earthquake relief in Haiti.

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Robert Redford

In addition for Robert Redford’s larger acts of kindness such as purchasing 2,600 acres in Utah to illustrate building in a small way and preserving nature in a big way, he has been known for smaller kindnesses as well.

While filming Pete’s Dragon in New Zealand, Redford noticed a horse tied by a fence near the freeway. It was emaciated, had no water or hay, and clearly neglected. He stopped, knocked on doors in the neighborhood to see if anyone claimed the horse. No one did. Then he coordinated with an animal rescue group and personally rescued the horse.

In an interview, Redford talked about being in school sports and tending to select the kid who was uncoordinated or less gifted for his teams. Even though that sometimes meant more work or frustration for him, he said that seeing those kids’ faces when included meant a lot to him.

A person who once managed a private screening for Redford and his son recalls that the screening equipment failed partway through. The person was anxious and embarrassed. After the screening, Redford introduced himself, reassured the person that he and his son had enjoyed the experience anyway, and joked about the intermission. The person felt very comforted by Redford’s grace and kindness in turning a stressful situation into something pleasant.

Another story shared by someone who worked at one of Redford’s restaurants:

A table of longtime fans (a mother and daughters) came in during the Sundance Festival. They had hoped to see Robert Redford in person.

Redford came by their table, leaned in, smiled, and said, “Is this close enough?” when asked if they could see him. He thanked them politely. It was brief, but very meaningful to the fans.

Redford’s kindness was characterized by quiet humility and a focus on long-term impact rather than personal acclaim. As he once reflected, his greatest achievement was his family and the positive changes he helped foster for future generations. His legacy continues through the organizations he built, which have empowered artists, protected the planet, and promoted equity worldwide.