In the nearly 10 years that I've been following Meghan and Harry's solo and couples journeys, I've developed a profound respect for not only their impact in my world of fashion and entertainment, but especially for the great help they have shown themselves to be in matters of philanthropy and care.
Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry have emerged as powerful forces in the world of philanthropy by leveraging their global platform to drive meaningful change. Through their Archewell Foundation, they've demonstrated an enduring commitment to showing up with sleeves rolled up, ready to help.
As devastating fires continue to ravage Meghan's hometown, the Sussexes have once again quietly sprung into action both on ground and behind the scenes, sparking the drive in many to also get involved on ground and inspiring millions with a clear example of how to modern philanthropy.
A Year of Impact
In 2024, Harry and Meghan's Archewell Foundation raised an impressive $5.3 million, more than doubling the previous year's efforts. This significant increase in funding has allowed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to expand their reach and deepen their impact across the diverse operations of Archewell, including their production and audio arms.
Key Philanthropic Initiatives
The Parents Network
One of Archewell's principal programs, The Parents Network, focuses on supporting families and nurturing community connections. This initiative reflects the couple's dedication to strengthening family units and promoting social cohesion.
On World Mental Health Day 2023 they hosted The Archewell Foundation Parents' Summit: Mental Wellness in a Digital Age in New York City. The event focused on the impact of social media on children's mental health and brought together parents who had experienced tragic losses connected to their children's social media use. The summit featured discussions with families, mental health experts, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, highlighting the foundation's commitment to creating a safer online environment for young people.
This event was a precursor to the official launch of The Parents' Network in August 2024, which now provides crucial support to parents whose children have suffered from the harmful effects of social media.
In honor of World Mental Health Day 2024, Prince Harry led a significant discussion with Jonathan Haidt, author of the New York Times bestseller The Anxious Generation. Focusing on the impact of social media, they explored how screens and devices affect the mental health of Generation Z and discussed actionable steps to address the rising mental health crisis among teens.
Mental Health Support
Archewell donated $130,000 to Humanity Crew, providing crucial mental health support to displaced children and aid workers in conflict zones. This commitment to mental well-being aligns with the self-empowered couple's long-standing advocacy for mental health awareness.
Empowering Women and Girls
Meghan's passion for uplifting women and girls is evident in Archewell's substantial support for programs promoting empowerment, well-being, and social justice. The foundation's donation to The Welcome Project, which involves cooking with women, exemplifies this commitment.
Combating Misinformation
In an era of digital challenges, Archewell has invested in organizations like The Markup, focusing on protecting vulnerable communities from the spread of misinformation and disinformation.
Global Outreach
The Duke and Duchess have extended their philanthropic efforts beyond borders, with impactful visits to countries like Nigeria and Colombia. These trips not only raise awareness but also foster international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
Invictus: A Legacy of Resilience
Building on their global outreach initiatives, Prince Harry and his perpetually inspiring wife continue to champion causes close to their hearts. One such endeavor that exemplifies their commitment to service is Prince Harry's brainchild, the Invictus Games.
The Vancouver 2025 Games are a powerful demonstration of human resilience, international recognition, and a stunning example of how Meghan and Harry leverage their influence to make a tangible, meaningful difference in the lives of servicemen and women worldwide.
Inspiring Change
Meghan and Harry's approach to philanthropy goes beyond donation. The Sussexes demonstrate how to actively engage with communities, participate in hands-on activities, and use their platform to amplify important causes. Their "Show up, do good" ethos encapsulates their proactive approach to making a difference.
Getting Involved
Inspired by the Duke and Duchess's work? Here are ways you can make a difference:
Identify causes you're passionate about
Start small with local volunteering opportunities
Donate to reputable organizations
Use your skills to support nonprofit initiatives
Spread awareness through your social networks
Philanthropy isn't just about grand gestures. As the Sussexes continue to demonstrate, it's about consistent, thoughtful actions that collectively make an impact.
I take immense pride in my increased efforts to give back, inspired by how tirelessly Meghan and Harry volunteer their time, resources, money and empathy to others without a second thought.
We can all play a part in creating a more compassionate and equitable world. The Sussexes work reminds us that with dedication and purpose, we each have the power to effect positive change in our communities and beyond.
Editor's Note: Wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles communities. Please consider donating directly to the Altadena Girls Foundation and other Los Angeles-based organizations on ground responding to those n need. Thank you.
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